Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act
Congress Pushes FAA Study on Drones That Disrupt Wildfire Firefighting Flights
Legislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6618.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
Bynum cites Flat Fire, introduces bill targeting recreational drones hampering firefighting efforts
Covers the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act’s introduction and details the FAA study requirement on drone incursions that ground firefighting aircraft, citing Oregon’s Flat Fire delay.
Flat Fire aerial tactics questioned
Discusses Flat Fire response and notes Rep. Janelle Bynum introduced the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act to address drones interfering with aerial firefighting during wildfires.
State Rep. co-sponsoring bipartisan bill that aims to address drones that delay wildfire fighting efforts
Local-TV style writeup (with video) referencing the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act and the Flat Fire incident where a drone reportedly delayed initial air attack by ~26 minutes.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(4)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.