Andrew_M, I agree, we need solutions like the jamming technology Ukraine uses against drones. The problem is not just serious, it’s unacceptable. In 2024, 21 drones disrupted wildfire operations in California, Arizona, and Alaska, grounding firefighting aircraft almost half the time. Now, we’ve had a drone collide with a firefighting plane over the Palisades Fire in SoCal, forcing it out of action.
What kind of reckless mentality leads someone to think flying a drone near a wildfire is excusable? These incursions put lives at risk, firefighters in the air, people on the ground, and entire communities in the path of destruction. Public awareness campaigns and fines, like Montana’s $1,500 penalty, are only a start. We need strict enforcement, advanced technology like geofencing, and far tougher penalties to eliminate this dangerous behavior.
Flying a drone near a wildfire is not curiosity, it’s sheer irresponsibility. Keep your drones grounded, or be ready to face the consequences. Firefighters don’t need this kind of interference when they’re risking their lives to save ours.
