Report from the U.S. Department of Interior: Drone Incursions on Wildland Fires Down 25 Percent

In a new report this week from the U.S. Department of Interior the Office of Aviation Services (OAS) announced a 25 percent reduction in drone incursions on wildfires as of last month. “Working closely together since 2015, the interagency community has created an effective public awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers to firefighters and communities when civilian drones fly into wildfires,” said ADI Executive Director Jenny Rosenberg. The OAS has established notification protocols  to ensure that sightings of drones near wildfires can easily be reported and thoroughly vetted once reported. The department has also established protocols to work with law enforcement to manage operators who continue to fly drones near wildfires. 

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​The OAS briefing paper can be read here. Additionally, a list of all of the 2018 Wildland Fire Incursion Events of Unauthorized UAS can be downloaded here.