Drone Incursions Ground Aircraft Over Spokane Wildfires

Over the first days of the Spokane County wildfires that began on August 1, civilian drones entered the temporary flight restriction 26 times, with four drones flying directly into the path of firefighting helicopters and air tankers. The incursions forced the aircraft to land or hold, halting water and retardant drops.

The incidents caused two separate groundings, each lasting about 30 minutes, delaying suppression efforts. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowers identified multiple operators and referred them to the Federal Aviation Administration, which can impose civil penalties up to $20,000 and criminal fines up to $100,000. Thirty‑five aircraft from the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the National Guard and contractors were assigned to the fires.