§40A Operation of Unauthorized Unmanned Aircraft Over Wildfires

Summary

It is a crime to fly a drone and knowingly or recklessly get in the way of fighting a wildfire or of police or emergency work tied to fighting a wildfire. A person who does this can be fined under federal law, sent to jail for up to 2 years, or both. The rule does not apply to drones flown by federal, state, tribal, or local agencies (or their contractors) when used for public safety like firefighting, law enforcement, or emergency response. Unmanned aircraft — see the federal aviation law. Wildfire — see the Emergency Wildfire Suppression Act. Wildfire suppression — efforts to contain, extinguish, or suppress a wildfire.