# Drone interference with wildfire firefighting > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drone-interference-with-wildfire-firefighting > Updated: 2026-08-21T20:00:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Unauthorized drone activity has repeatedly interfered with aerial firefighting efforts during wildfire suppression operations in the Pacific Northwest. In Spokane County, multiple drone incursions into temporary flight restriction zones forced firefighting helicopters and air tankers to halt water and retardant drops. These incidents, which included drones flying directly into the path of aircraft, resulted in groundings that delayed suppression efforts. Authorities noted that operators could face significant civil and criminal penalties. Following similar disruptions, such as those near the Grasshopper Fire in Oregon, state aviation and emergency management agencies issued joint warnings. Officials highlighted that unauthorized flights create collision hazards for aircraft operating at low altitudes and high speeds through smoke. Legal consequences for violators include potential federal prison time, equipment confiscation, and heavy fines. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Oregon agencies warn drone pilots that unauthorized flights ground firefighting aircraft Oregon aviation and emergency agencies warn that unauthorized drone flights over wildfires ground firefighting aircraft, delaying containment and risking lives. Violators face heavy fines and prison. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oregon-agencies-warn-drone-pilots-that-unauthorized-flights-ground-firefighting-aircraft ### 2026-08-04: Drone Incursions Ground Aircraft Over Spokane Wildfires Civilian drones entered Spokane wildfire airspace 26 times, grounding firefighting aircraft twice and prompting FAA citations for operators. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drone-incursions-ground-aircraft-over-spokane-wildfires --- Cite as: Drone interference with wildfire firefighting. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drone-interference-with-wildfire-firefighting