08. January 2026

Drones Over Wildfires: New Bill Seeks To Regulate Drone Traffic In National Skies

The skies above the United States are set to become increasingly crowded with drones, raising concerns about public safety. A proposed bill in the House of Representatives aims to address a growing concern: the impact of unauthorized drone operations on wildfire firefighting efforts.

Representative Janelle Bynum introduced the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act (H.R. 6618) on December 11, 2025, with bipartisan support from Representatives Eli Crane, Joe Neguse, and Juan Ciscomani. The legislation seeks to inform future regulatory measures protecting aerial firefighting operations and ensuring firefighter safety during critical emergency responses.

The bill defines a drone as “an unmanned aircraft system owned by a private individual or entity,” while a drone incursion specifically refers to operating such systems in airspace where the FAA has established temporary flight restrictions due to ongoing wildfire suppression activities. The mandated study would quantify the number of incidents where drones interfered with wildfire suppression efforts and estimate the consequences of these drone incursions.

To prevent future drone incursions during wildfire events, the study would evaluate potential solutions, including deploying counter-drone radio towers, employing reasonable force to disable or destroy interfering drones, seizing drones using net devices, and developing educational materials about the operational impact of unauthorized drone flights on firefighting operations. The FAA would be required to submit a comprehensive report to relevant congressional committees within 18 months of the bill’s enactment, detailing study findings and potential recommendations.

Meanwhile, in Oregon, Senate Bill 238A is sparking controversy over its proposed easing of restrictions on law enforcement drone use, potentially reducing court oversight for surveillance. Introduced without chief sponsors but carried by Democratic State Senator Floyd Prozanski, Senate Bill 238A aims to expand drone use for law enforcement tasks like responding to 911 calls and Search and Rescue missions.

The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from privacy advocates and community groups who fear it could erode civil liberties. The bill defines a drone as “an unmanned aircraft system owned by a private individual or entity,” while a drone incursion specifically refers to operating such systems in airspace where the FAA has established temporary flight restrictions due to ongoing wildfire suppression activities.

The proposed counter-drone technologies and preventive solutions outlined in the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act have sparked interest among drone professionals and enthusiasts. The FAA’s role in regulating drone operations is crucial in ensuring safety and security during wildfire events.

However, the increasing use of drones by law enforcement agencies has raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties. The push for drone dominance in the US skies has led to a complex web of regulations and countermeasures. Currently, operators need a waiver from the FAA to fly a drone farther than they can see it. With the help of companies like Flock Safety, police departments can get waivers approved in just two weeks.

The proposed rule by the FAA would lay out some broad categories for which drone operators are permitted to fly drones beyond their line of sight, including package delivery, agriculture, aerial surveying, and civic interest, such as policing. While this expansion could benefit industries like e-commerce and agriculture, it has sparked concerns about privacy from organizations like the ACLU.

The outcome of these bills and regulations will shape the operational protocols and public perception of drone technology in the coming years. As drones become increasingly integral to various sectors, including law enforcement, agriculture, and e-commerce, it is essential to strike a balance between innovation and public safety.

In an effort to address concerns about privacy and surveillance, the FAA has been working on new regulations that aim to expand drone operations while maintaining protections for individuals’ right to privacy. The agency’s proposed rule is set to be released in spring 2026, with a deadline for public comment until October 6.

As drones continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, it is crucial to consider the implications of their use on public safety and civil liberties. By understanding the complexities of drone regulations and countermeasures, we can work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all users of these innovative technologies.

The Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act highlights the need for data-driven analysis of how drone incursions affect wildfire response capabilities. The proposed legislation seeks to inform future regulatory measures protecting aerial firefighting operations and ensuring firefighter safety during critical emergency responses.

The FAA’s role in regulating drone operations is crucial in ensuring safety and security during wildfire events. However, the increasing use of drones by law enforcement agencies has raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties.

As we navigate this complex landscape, it is essential to prioritize innovation while ensuring that drone operations align with our values of safety, security, and individual rights. The proposed counter-drone technologies and preventive solutions outlined in the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act have sparked interest among drone professionals and enthusiasts.

The Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act demonstrates the ongoing debate about the role of drones in various sectors. While these bills aim to address public safety concerns, they also raise important questions about privacy, surveillance, and civil liberties.

The proposed legislation seeks to inform future regulatory measures protecting aerial firefighting operations and ensuring firefighter safety during critical emergency responses. The FAA’s role in regulating drone operations is crucial in ensuring safety and security during wildfire events.