By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Aircraft battling the Spokane Complex wildfires were grounded for approximately 30 minutes on August 3 after a civilian drone entered restricted airspace, marking the second operational disruption involving unauthorized drones in consecutive days.
- August 2 documented 26 reported drone incursions, with four drones flying directly into the path of firefighting aircraft operating above active fire zones.
- Spokane County Sheriff’s Office identified multiple drone operators and referred citations to the Federal Aviation Administration; each operator faces potential criminal penalties up to $100,000 and civil penalties of $20,000 or more.
- The temporary flight restriction protects airspace over fires up to 5,000 feet; when unauthorized drones enter the zone, firefighting aircraft must immediately land to prevent collision risk.
- Grounding delays water and retardant drops while ground crews continue firefighting operations; 35 aircraft were assigned to the Spokane fires on August 3.
SPOKANE, WASH. — Civilian drone incursions into restricted wildfire airspace have forced temporary grounding of firefighting aircraft responding to the Spokane Complex fires, disrupting suppression operations during critical periods of active firefighting.
On August 3, aircraft were grounded for approximately 30 minutes after an unauthorized drone entered restricted airspace over active fire zones. The drone operator was not located. The incident marked the second consecutive day that civilian drones disrupted firefighting operations.
On August 2, Spokane County authorities documented 26 reported drone incursions over the fire zones. According to Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels, four of the unauthorized drones flew directly in the path of active firefighting aircraft operating in the air. The sheriff’s office identified multiple drone operators and referred citations to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Each identified operator faces potential criminal penalties up to $100,000. Additionally, flying a drone within wildfire-related temporary flight restrictions carries a civil penalty of $20,000 or more.
A temporary flight restriction establishes a protected airspace over the fires extending to 5,000 feet altitude. When an unauthorized drone enters that restricted zone, firefighting aircraft must immediately land to avoid possible midair collision. Wildland firefighting aircraft often operate at altitudes between several hundred feet and a few thousand feet above ground level, placing them at comparable altitude to many civilian drones.
Washington Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Ryan Rodruck stated that collision risk poses a serious safety concern for aircrew and ground personnel. Rodruck emphasized that firefighting operations cannot be conducted effectively if the airspace is not clear of unauthorized aircraft.
“We cannot risk a possible drone impact,” Rodruck said. “It’s a serious safety concern for our crew. Vital seconds, minutes, are lost” during aircraft groundings.
Thirty-five firefighting aircraft were deployed to the Spokane fires on August 3, including aircraft operated by the Department of Natural Resources, the National Guard, and contracted operators. When aircraft are grounded due to airspace violations, water and retardant drops are delayed while ground crews continue firefighting operations below.
The Autumn Lane, Fairview, and Old Trails fires began August 1 and had burned at least 10,280 acres by early August 4 with zero containment reported. More than 60,000 people received Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown characterized the fires as the worst natural disaster the region has faced.
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office arrested Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, on August 3 on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of the three uncontained fires. His bond was set at $1 million.
Interfering with firefighting operations on public lands is a federal crime punishable by up to one year in prison. The National Interagency Fire Center operates an “If you fly, we can’t” public awareness campaign warning drone operators about the dangers of airspace interference.
Persons observing drones flying within wildfire-related temporary flight restrictions should call 911. Reports can also be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration at 206-231-3828.