Congress·Reported·H.R. 6618

Congress Pushes FAA Study on Drones That Disrupt Wildfire Firefighting Flights

Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

Congress would require the FAA to study how private drones flying near wildfires disrupt aerial firefighting.
The study would look at the past 5 years, counting incidents and estimating delays, extra costs, and slower wildfire control.
FAA would work with Interior and Agriculture (Forest Service) to focus on fires on federal lands.
The study would review ways to prevent drone problems, like counter-drone radio towers, seizing drones, or public education.
FAA would have to send a report to Congress within 18 months after the bill becomes law, with findings and recommendations.

TransportationInfrastructureTechnologyEnvironment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Mixed Impacts(6)

Chronic Illness

Neutral

Homeowner

Neutral

Renter

Neutral

Small Business Owner

Neutral

Gig Worker

Neutral

Federal Employee

Neutral

Milestones

4 milestones7 actions

Mar 16, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 471.

Mar 16, 2026House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-548.

Jan 21, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Jan 21, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Dec 12, 2025House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Soon after the law takes effect

FAA begins the study on how drones interfere with wildfire suppression on federal lands

No new rules for the public yet, but agencies start collecting data and reviewing options like education, drone seizure, or disabling drones during wildfire flight restrictions

During the study period

FAA consults with the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to compile the past 5 years of drone-incursion impacts

More consistent tracking of when drones forced aircraft to stop or delayed response, which can support future enforcement or safety changes

No later than 18 months after enactment

FAA submits the required report to Congress with findings and recommendations

This is the main deliverable. Recommendations could lead to later proposals that tighten enforcement, expand education campaigns, or add tools to stop drones near wildfires