An unauthorized incursion by two non-mechanized gliders occurred over the Miller Complex on August 19. That group of wildfires is burning 17 miles east of Cave Junction in southern Oregon. The drones intruded into an area where aircraft were assisting with firefighting operations. This caused fire mangers to ground all the aircraft for 45 minutes due to safety concerns.
Unauthorized flights by drones, hang-gliders or other types of aircraft over or near any wildfire could cause serious injury or death from collision with firefighting planes and helicopters, or to firefighters on the ground.
A Federal Aviation Administration Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the Miller Complex. For more information on restrictions on drones at wildfires, visit the FAA’s website.