Drone Restrictions Intensify During Oregon’s Record Wildfire Season

Oregon is experiencing its most severe wildfire season to date, prompting officials to issue a clear warning to drone users: keep drones grounded near active wildfires. This alert is driven by rising concerns about unauthorized drones disrupting firefighting operations, resulting in crucial delays.

The Oregon Department of Aviation and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management are alerting residents that areas with active wildfires are designated as strict ‘No Drone Zones.’ Even small recreational drones pose a serious safety risk to firefighting aircraft. These aircraft operate at low altitudes in smoky conditions while distributing water and fire retardants to contain fires.

According to KOIN 6 News, Kenji Sugahara, Director of the Oregon Department of Aviation, noted that reports of drone activity near the Grasshopper Fire have broken firefighting efforts. ‘We’ve received reports of drones flying around the Grasshopper Fire, causing delays in operations,’ Sugahara stated. He emphasized that even a delay of 15 to 30 minutes can significantly worsen the fire’s spread.

When unauthorized drones enter airspace over a fire, firefighting aircraft must halt operations until safety is assured. Such interruptions can allow fire expansion, increasing risks to firefighters, communities, and infrastructure.

The penalties for violating these warnings are severe. Oregon authorities state penalties include a civil fine up to $75,000, a federal prison sentence up to 12 months, equipment confiscation, and loss of pilot certificates.

National Implications of Drone Interference

Oregon’s warning sheds light on a broader issue across the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration can issue Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) around wildfires and emergencies, preventing unauthorized aircraft, including drones, from entering designated airspace. According to the FAA, TFRs are issued for ‘safety or security purposes’ including during wildfires.

The U.S. Forest Service has long cautioned drone pilots against flying over wildfires. Its ‘If You Fly, We Can’t’ campaign highlights instances where firefighting operations paused due to drones in restricted areas. The Forest Service reports at least 20 incidents across eight states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Minnesota. These incidents have resulted in the temporary suspension of aerial firefighting efforts nine times.

Utah faced an incident earlier this month when a drone was spotted near the Eight Mile Fire near Cedar City, disrupting fire suppression efforts. Aircraft had been battling the fire from both air and ground when the drone entered the space. Such events can lead to the cancellation of flight operations until the area is secure.

Fire Officials’ Concerns Over Drone Interference

Firefighting aircraft and recreational drones often operate at similar low altitudes, raising collision risks and pilot distractions. This can necessitate the grounding of aircraft until safe conditions return, affecting efforts to control expanding wildfires.

Despite the problems drones create, they’re also valuable tools for fire agencies. Authorized drone use helps spot hotspots, track fire behavior, and guide teams on the ground. These operations are tightly coordinated to ensure safety, unlike casual drone flights.

With wildfires still raging across parts of the western U.S., officials in Oregon and elsewhere call on drone operators to adhere to a straightforward principle: if a fire burns nearby, keep drones at home and allow emergency responders the space they need.