An alarming surge in unauthorized drone flights near active wildfires is hampering firefighting operations and endangering the lives of aerial crews across the Pacific Northwest. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that 67 drone incursions have been recorded near active wildfires nationally so far in 2026 — with 39 of those incidents occurring in Washington state alone. The problem has been especially acute during the Spokane-area fires that erupted in late July and early August.

The Scale of the Problem

During a single day in early August, more than 21 separate drone incursions were detected within the temporary flight restriction (TFR) surrounding the Spokane Complex fires, according to U.S. Wildland Fire Service spokesperson Benjamin Cossel. On another day, 26 incursions were recorded in a single operational period. Each time an unauthorized drone enters restricted airspace over a wildfire, all aerial firefighting operations — including helicopters making water drops and air tankers deploying retardant — must be suspended until the airspace is confirmed clear.

"Drones in the sky present a critical danger to aircraft with people inside," NIFC stated in its August 19 National Fire News briefing. "Even a very small drone has the potential to damage the tail rotor on a helicopter or incapacitate an engine and cause a fatal accident. Thus, when an unknown drone is spotted near a wildfire, aerial operations are grounded until the skies are clear. That pause may only last a few minutes, but in wildfire response, every minute matters."

Real-World Consequences

The grounding of aerial resources, even for short periods, can have significant consequences on rapidly spreading wildfires. During the Spokane Complex fires, which ultimately damaged or destroyed more than 600 structures and forced the evacuation of approximately 65,000 residents, multiple interruptions to aerial operations were directly linked to drone sightings.

Fire managers have noted that some drone operators appear to be motivated by a desire to capture dramatic footage of active fire and aerial firefighting operations — content that is frequently posted to social media platforms. Officials stress that this is not worth the risk and carries serious federal penalties.

Legal Penalties

Flying a drone within a TFR around a wildfire is a federal violation that can result in:

  • Civil penalties up to $20,000 per violation from the FAA
  • Criminal prosecution with penalties up to $75,000 and/or imprisonment
  • Liability for the costs of suppression delays caused by the incursion

The FAA automatically establishes TFRs around active wildfires to protect firefighting aircraft and personnel. These TFRs are published in real time through the FAA's website and aviation apps used by pilots.

What the Public Can Do

NIFC and fire agencies across the Pacific Northwest are urging the public to take the following steps:

  • Check the FAA's TFR map (tfr.faa.gov) before flying any drone near an area with active fire
  • Register your drone with the FAA as required by law
  • Visit KnowBeforeYouFly.org for drone safety guidelines
  • If you see a wildfire from the ground, do not launch a drone — call 911 instead
  • Report unauthorized drone activity near fires by calling the local fire information line or law enforcement

Fire managers continue to urge the public to protect firefighter safety, avoid costly fines, and resist the temptation to fly near active fires. When drones are on the scene, lives are put at risk.