Unauthorized drones again diverted wildfire aircraft in California
Cal Fire reported three unauthorized drone incursions during the Timber Fire in Big Sur. In at least one incident, crewed firefighting aircraft were moved away from a priority area. Remote ID receivers detected radio signals and provided pilot-location information, but local law enforcement did not locate the operators.
Wed, 23 Sep 2026
A small recreational flight can displace aircraft working at low altitude around smoke, terrain and water pickup points. The operational cost is larger than the drone's footprint suggests.
If a wildfire or disaster TFR is active, stay out unless the mission is explicitly authorized. Remote ID does not make an unauthorized flight acceptable, and detection does not guarantee that crews can safely continue around it.