Drone Usage Not Safe During Wildfires
Custer, SD, March 10, 2025 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, are becoming more and more popular across the Black Hills National Forest and officials are reminding the public that use of drones during firefighting operations on the Forest is illegal, and not safe.
“Any personal aircraft, even a drone, can cause a serious or fatal accident if it collides with firefighting aircraft,” said Corey Lewis, Black Hills National Forest Aviation Officer. “If drones are spotted near a wildfire, or even a planned prescribed fire, firefighting aircraft must land due to safety concerns, and this can prolong firefighting operations.”
Individuals and organizations that fly UAS for hobby or recreational purposes may not operate them in areas of National Forest System lands that have Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in place, such as wildfires, without prior approval from the U.S. Forest Service. “If You Fly, We Can’t” campaign emphasizes the serious risks posed to firefighter and public safety from unauthorized drone flights during wildfire suppression operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has regulatory authority over all airspace, including recreational use of airspace by UAS. Individuals and organizations that fly UAS on National Forest System lands must follow FAA guidance – FAA guidance stipulates that UAS not interfere with manned aircraft, be flown within sight of the operator and be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes.
Per the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 43 CFR 9212.1(f), it is illegal to resist or interfere with the efforts of firefighter(s) to extinguish a fire. Doing so can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.
The FAA also provides guidance on “Flights Over Charted U.S. Wildlife Refuges, Parks, and Forest Service Areas”. Per this guidance, federal laws prohibit certain types of flight activity and/or provide altitude restrictions over “designated Forest Service Areas.” UAS are "mechanized” equipment and cannot take off and land in designated Wilderness Areas on National Forest System (NFS) lands.
The FAA requires operators flying UAS within five miles of an airport to notify the airport operator and air traffic control tower. There are also specific rules and regulations that must be followed for UAS users who want to fly commercially.
For all UAS activities, check the “B4UFly App” for current airspace restrictions (TFRs, etc.) and the FAA/UAS website for current rules and regulations.
For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills, follow the Forest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsnf or X: https://x.com/BlackHillsNF.