Unauthorized drone flights near active wildfires have reached crisis levels in 2026, grounding firefighting aircraft, delaying critical operations, and drawing the attention of federal law enforcement. As of August 23, the National Interagency Fire Center reports 73 drone incursions near wildfires nationwide this year — a number that has already surpassed the full-year totals for any previous year, with the fire season still months from its end.

Of those 73 incursions, 45 have occurred in Washington State alone — nearly two-thirds of the national total — making Washington the epicenter of the problem during one of the worst wildfire seasons in the state's history.

Spokane Complex: 39 Incursions in 48 Hours

The most dramatic incident occurred over the Spokane Complex fires earlier this month. On August 2, Washington State Patrol's counter-UAS system detected 26 unauthorized drones violating the temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the fire zone. On August 3, an additional 13 illegal overflights were recorded — a total of 39 incursions in 48 hours over a single fire complex. Aerial firefighting operations were grounded at least once during the incident.

Fire officials reported that four of those drones crossed directly into the path of firefighting aircraft — a potentially fatal situation for pilots and crew members. A single drone strike on a tail rotor or engine intake can cause a helicopter or air tanker to crash. In wildfire response, grounded aircraft can mean the difference between a 100-acre fire and a 100,000-acre fire.

FBI Counter-UAS Deployed

In response to the Spokane Complex incursions, the FBI deployed counter-UAS technology to detect and track drone operators violating the TFR. Officials confirmed that identified drone operators face federal charges, which can include fines exceeding $20,000 and criminal penalties under federal law — including potential prison time in cases that interfere with emergency aircraft operations.

The FAA automatically establishes a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over all active wildfires. Flying a drone within TFR airspace is a federal violation regardless of whether the operator is aware of the TFR. The rule is simple: if you can see smoke, you are likely inside or near a TFR. Do not fly.

Why It Matters

When an unidentified drone is spotted near a wildfire, all aerial operations must be grounded until the airspace is confirmed clear. That pause — even if it lasts only minutes — can allow a fire to escape established containment lines, endanger ground crews who relied on aerial support, and undo hours of firefighting progress. In a season where aerial resources including air tankers, helicopters, and large airtankers (VLATs) are already spread thin across dozens of simultaneous incidents, every minute of lost flight time matters enormously.

The Message Is Simple

NIFC, the USDA Forest Service, and local fire agencies are delivering a clear and united message: If you are anywhere near wildfire activity, do not fly a drone. Period.

  • Check knowbeforeyoufly.org before any flight
  • Download the B4UFLY app from the FAA to check TFR status at your location
  • If you see smoke, assume a TFR is in effect and do not launch
  • Report unauthorized drone flights near wildfires by calling 911 or contacting your local FAA Flight Standards District Office

As Washington continues to battle 16 active large fires during a declared statewide wildfire emergency, officials are urging community members to be part of the solution — not the problem. Drones are tools that can meaningfully assist in fire mapping, search and rescue, and damage assessment when operated legally and in coordination with incident commanders. Unauthorized flights accomplish none of that and put lives at risk.