Washington State Patrol and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office warned drone operators that restricted airspace surrounds the Spokane Complex fires after authorities detected 39 unauthorized drones in two days. (Photo courtesy of Spokane County Sheriff's Office)
SPOKANE, Wash. — Authorities detected 39 unauthorized drones flying in restricted airspace over the Spokane Complex Fires during a two-day period, forcing firefighters to halt aerial operations at least once.
“The FBI Counter UAS Task Force, including members of the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Seattle Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol, has deployed specialized equipment capable of detecting unauthorized drones operating within the 24 hour restricted airspace,” the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said.
The FBI Counter UAS Task Force detected 26 unauthorized drones on Aug. 2 and another 13 on Aug. 3, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol.
“If you fly, we can’t,” a federal wildfire safety campaign warns.
“Operating a drone without proper authorization in restricted airspace is both illegal and dangerous and may result in civil or criminal penalties.”
SPOKANE COUNTY SHERiff’s Office
Drones Force Firefighting Aircraft From the Sky
When someone flies a drone near a wildfire, helicopters and air tankers may have to leave the area. Even a small drone can cause a serious collision with a low-flying firefighting aircraft.
As a result, fire managers stopped aerial firefighting at least once during the Spokane incursions. Authorities said the drones disrupted the response and created a significant risk for firefighters and other emergency personnel.
The interruption came as crews battled several destructive fires across the Spokane area. Aircraft play a critical role by dropping water or fire retardant, monitoring fire movement and supporting crews working on the ground.
However, those aircraft cannot safely share the airspace with an unidentified drone.
Task Force Deploys Drone-Detection Equipment
The FBI Counter UAS Task Force deployed specialized equipment capable of detecting unauthorized drones inside the restricted area.
The operation includes personnel from the FBI, King County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Seattle Police Department and Washington State Patrol.
Authorities did not announce any arrests or identify the drone operators in Tuesday’s release. Nevertheless, operating a drone without authorization inside restricted airspace may lead to civil or criminal penalties.
FAA Restriction Covers Large Area North of Spokane
The Federal Aviation Administration established a Temporary Flight Restriction over a large area surrounding the Spokane Complex fires.
The restricted area extends from the surface through 7,000 feet above mean sea level. According to the FAA notice provided by authorities, the restriction began Aug. 2 and remains scheduled through Aug. 14 at 10 p.m. Pacific time, or Aug. 15 at 5 a.m. UTC.
The restriction covers areas north and northwest of Spokane, including territory near Riverside State Park, Deer Park and U.S. 395.
Officials may change or replace flight restrictions as wildfire conditions develop. Therefore, pilots should review the FAA’s current Temporary Flight Restrictions before every flight.
Drone operators can also use the FAA’s B4UFLY service to check whether flights are allowed at a particular location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pilots should check the FAA’s Temporary Flight Restriction listings and B4UFLY service before taking off. They should also review local restrictions and posted no-drone zones.
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