N.C. Forest Service - Drones and Wildfires

Wildfires are a no-drone zone for good reason. When a wildfire runs and spreads rapidly, every minute counts.

• Flying a drone near or over a wildfire is ILLEGAL. Don’t do it.
• Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel. Drones can pose a serious threat to pilot and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents and property at risk of loss to wildfire.

Oftentimes, media outlets, other first responders and private landowners deploy drones near or over wildfires. It isn’t ok. It’s dangerous … until it’s deadly. Don't do it.

It’s illegal to fly a drone near or over a wildfire in North Carolina.

N.C.G.S. §15A-300.4 -- No person, entity, or State agency shall use an unmanned aircraft system within either a horizontal distance of 3,000 feet or a vertical distance of 3,000 feet from any forest fire within the jurisdiction of the N.C. Forest Service.

Remember, wildfires are a no-drone zone for good reason.