Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR's) and Drone Operators:

Ignoring temporary flight restrictions during emergencies can lead to significant legal consequences, particularly when such actions interfere with emergency response efforts. The recent January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires serve as an example of how drone operators who disregard no-fly zones can disrupt critical operations, endanger lives, and face significant penalties.

Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are at times put in place during emergencies like wildfires, natural disasters, and law enforcement operations to protect airspace and ensure that manned aircraft, such as firefighting planes and helicopters, can operate without interference. However, in the recent  Los Angeles fires, at least one drone operator ignored these restrictions, resulting in a collision between the drone and a firefighting plane. The plane, a “super scooper”, was damaged and had to be removed from operations at a critical time. The incident not only posed a severe safety risk to the crew of the plane but also delayed vital emergency operations, leading to increased damage and potentially lost lives.

The FAA can issue significant civil fines and certificate suspensions or revocations to drone operators who fly in restricted airspace during emergencies. In cases where the drone causes harm or obstructs emergency efforts, criminal charges may also be brought against the operator including reckless endangerment or interference with emergency services. These charges can result in imprisonment, probation, or a permanent criminal record. Additionally, under California Penal Code section 402, it is a misdemeanor offense in California to operate a drone at the scene of an emergency, including fire, for the purpose of viewing the emergency or the activities of first responders and impede with their operations.  Furthermore, operators may be held financially liable for damages caused by their actions, such as the costs of emergency delays, property damage, or medical expenses.   

The FAA publishes temporary flight restrictions on the FAA’s TFR list at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html. Click on the NOTAM column to get specific information regarding the TFR.  You can also find TFR’s through LAANC providers, and on the B4UFLY app.

For more information on TFR’s and UAS law generally see Drone Law by Attorneys Zaida McGhee and Tyler Hazen, published by Thomson Reuters https://store.legal.thomsonreuters.com/law-products/Treatises/Drone-Law-2024-2-ed/p/107067036. You can also reach us at dronelaw@angulomcghee.com