The Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act (H.R. 6618) would require the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a comprehensive study examining how unauthorized drone operations interfere with wildfire firefighting operations. Introduced in the House on December 11, 2025, by Representative Janelle Bynum with bipartisan cosponsorship from Representatives Eli Crane, Joe Neguse, and Juan Ciscomani, the legislation addresses a growing public safety concern.
Drone Incursions Study Parameters
Under the proposed legislation, the FAA Administrator would collaborate with the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture to analyze drone incursions over the preceding five years. 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, including additional time required to control fires, delays in deploying aerial firefighting resources, and costs incurred by the federal government. An unmanned aircraft system, as defined in the legislation, includes the drone itself and all necessary components required for its operation.
Counter-Drone Technologies and Preventive Solutions
The study would also evaluate potential solutions to prevent future drone incursions during wildfire events. Proposed countermeasures include 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. The legislation currently awaits consideration by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
By establishing data-driven analysis of how drone incursions affect wildfire response capabilities, the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act seeks to inform future regulatory measures protecting aerial firefighting operations and ensuring firefighter safety during critical emergency responses.
The full text of the bill is available here.
Read More
Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
