Unauthorized drone flights near active wildfires have become a dangerous and increasingly common problem in 2026. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that 74 drone incursions have been documented near wildfires so far this year — and Washington State accounts for 45 of those incidents, by far the most of any state in the nation.

Why Drones Are So Dangerous Near Wildfires

While drones may seem harmless to the casual observer, even a small consumer-grade drone can have catastrophic consequences when it collides with firefighting aircraft. A drone can:

  • Damage or destroy the tail rotor of a helicopter, causing it to crash
  • Incapacitate an engine on a fixed-wing aircraft
  • Strike and seriously injure pilots or crew members
  • Force immediate suspension of all aerial operations near the fire

When an unknown drone is spotted near a wildfire, aerial operations — including air tankers dropping retardant, helicopters making water drops, and lead planes coordinating the attack — are immediately grounded until the airspace is cleared and confirmed safe.

Every Minute Counts

In wildfire suppression, aerial resources are often the difference between a fire held at a few hundred acres and one that races to thousands. A temporary grounding — even just 15 to 30 minutes — can allow a fire to make significant runs, jump containment lines, or threaten structures that might otherwise have been protected.

NIFC officials note that some drone incursions near fires this year may have been well-intentioned: curious residents or amateur journalists wanting to document the fire. Regardless of intent, flying an unauthorized drone near an active wildfire is illegal under 49 U.S.C. § 40103 and FAA temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that are automatically issued around active fire incidents.

Washington State's Outsized Problem

With 45 of the nation's 74 drone incursions this year, Washington State is dealing with a drone interference problem at a rate dramatically higher than any other state. California, the second-highest state, has recorded only nine incidents. Fire managers and law enforcement in Washington are asking the public to be aware that active wildfire TFRs are in effect around every major fire incident in the state.

Know Before You Fly

The Federal Aviation Administration's Know Before You Fly program (knowbeforeyoufly.org) provides tools to check for TFRs in your area before launching any drone. Additionally:

  • Download the FAA's B4UFLY app to check airspace restrictions in real time
  • If you are near any wildfire activity, do not fly — even if you do not see a TFR listed
  • Violations can result in fines of up to $20,000 and possible criminal charges
  • If you see someone flying a drone near a wildfire, report it to the local incident command or call 911

Firefighters are putting their lives on the line every day to protect communities across the Pacific Northwest. Keeping drones grounded near wildfires is one of the simplest ways the public can help keep those firefighters safe and operations running.