Drone Operations Near Wildfires

Key Hazards

• Collision with low-flying firefighting aircraft
• Causing air tankers or helicopters to suspend operations
• Entering a wildfire Temporary Flight Restriction
• Loss of visibility or control in smoke, heat, and turbulent wind
• Launching without incident-command authorization
• Operating from areas threatened by changing fire conditions

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Unauthorized drones near wildfires can place pilots, firefighters, and the public at serious risk. Firefighting aircraft often operate low, fast, and close to terrain where avoiding a small drone may be impossible.

When a drone is reported in a wildfire area, air tankers and helicopters may have to stop or leave until the airspace is clear. A single unauthorized flight can delay water drops, retardant operations, mapping, evacuation support, and rescue activity.

The FAA may establish a Temporary Flight Restriction around a wildfire. Drone pilots must check current restrictions and Notices to Air Missions before flight and must not enter restricted airspace without specific permission.

Authorized public-safety or contractor drone operations should be coordinated through incident command and the responsible aviation organization. Approval for one mission does not authorize independent flights by other crews.

Smoke can hide the drone and crewed aircraft, while heat and unstable air can reduce aircraft performance. Strong winds, fire-generated turbulence, ash, and rapidly changing visibility can make normal control limits unreliable.

Launch sites and ground crews must remain outside evacuation areas, fire spread paths, falling-tree zones, traffic routes, and locations where smoke or heat could create exposure.

Recreational observation, photography, or curiosity is never a reason to fly near an active wildfire. The aircraft should remain grounded unless the operation is specifically authorized and integrated into the response.

If any uncertainty exists about the restriction, incident approval, firefighting aircraft, or changing fire conditions, do not launch or land immediately.

Safety Reminders

• Never fly near a wildfire without specific authorization and coordination.
• Check current Temporary Flight Restrictions and notices before launch.
• Expect low-flying air tankers and helicopters.
• Land immediately if crewed aircraft or unplanned aviation activity appears.
• Account for smoke, heat, ash, turbulence, and strong wind.
• Keep the ground crew outside fire and evacuation hazards.
• When in doubt, keep the drone grounded.

Ask the Crew

• Is a wildfire Temporary Flight Restriction active?
• Who within incident command authorized this flight?
• What firefighting aircraft are operating in the area?
• How could smoke, wind, heat, or fire movement affect the mission?
• Where will the drone land immediately if aviation activity changes?