SPOKANE, Wash. — Aircraft battling the Spokane Complex wildfires were temporarily grounded after a civilian drone entered restricted airspace, marking the second disruption involving unauthorized drones in two days.
Aircraft were grounded for about 30 minutes the evening of Aug. 3 after a drone entered restricted airspace over the fires, The Seattle Times reported. The operator was not located.
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The disruption followed 26 reported drone incursions on Aug. 2. Four of the drones flew “directly in the path of firefighting apparatus” operating in the air, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said during a news conference.
The sheriff’s office has identified multiple drone operators and referred citations to the Federal Aviation Administration, Nowels said. Each operator could face up to $100,000 in criminal penalties.
“We’re utilizing all units at our disposal right now, but we can’t do that effectively if the airspace isn’t clear,” Washington Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Ryan Rodruck said.
A temporary flight restriction protects the airspace over the fires up to 5,000 feet. When an unauthorized drone enters that area, firefighting aircraft must immediately land to avoid a possible collision.
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Wildland firefighting aircraft often operate only a few hundred feet above the ground, placing them at the same altitude as many civilian drones. A collision could threaten pilots as well as firefighters working below.
“We cannot risk a possible drone impact,” Rodruck said. “It’s a serious safety concern for our crew.”
Thirty-five aircraft were assigned to the Spokane fires on Aug. 3, including aircraft operated by DNR and the National Guard and others working under contract.
Every grounding delays water and retardant drops while crews continue working on the ground.
“Vital seconds, minutes, are lost,” Rodruck said.
The Autumn Lane, Fairview and Old Trails fires began Aug. 1 and had burned at least 10,280 acres by early Aug. 4 with no containment reported. More than 60,000 people have been placed under Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders, and officials said some residents could be unable to return home for weeks.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office arrested Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, on Aug. 3 on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires burning near Spokane. His bond was set at $1 million.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown called the fires the worst natural disaster the region has faced.
Interfering with firefighting operations on public lands is a federal crime punishable by up to one year in prison. Flying a drone within a wildfire-related temporary flight restriction can also result in a civil penalty of $20,000 or more.
The National Interagency Fire Center warns drone operators about the danger through its “If you fly, we can’t” public awareness campaign.
Anyone who sees a drone flying within restricted wildfire airspace should call 911. Reports can also be made to the FAA at 206-231-3828.
