US drone users interfering with firefighting operations to face $20,000 fine
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would impose civil penalties on drone users interfering with wild fire suppression. The bill comes in the wake of increased disruptions with wild fire fighting; last year alone efforts were interrupted at least 18 times, with firefighting aircraft often grounded as a result of reckless drone flyers. The bill is expected to be signed off by President Obama on Friday, those who violate it will be liable to up to $20,000 in fines.

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By Bartholomew Sullivan, USA Today

WASHINGTON — The House passed a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill Monday with a provision from Rep. Julia Brownley that would impose civil penalties for anyone using a drone to "knowingly or recklessly" interfere with wild fire suppression.

The measure passed on a voice vote.

The use of private drone or aircraft in restricted areas where fires are being fought using aircraft is already illegal. The Westlake Village Democrat's provision would impose civil penalties of up to $20,000 for violations.

It was prompted in part by recent incidents in which drones have interfered with firefighting. On July 3, a drone was spotted above a wild fire in the Sespe Wilderness north of Ojai. The drone's pilot was located and the drone was grounded without incident. In June, firefighters working two wild fires in the San Gabriel Mountains near Duarte and Azusa spotted drones and had to halt air operations. And also in June in Utah a drone almost struck a 500-gallon bucket hanging beneath a firefighting helicopter.

Brownley's language exempts unmanned vehicles being used by law enforcement.

The Senate passed its version of an FAA reauthorization bill in April. During debate on the bill Monday night, a bipartisan group suggested that the 14-month extension would create stability while Congress works for a longer-term bill. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., opposed it because of labor provisions.

Rep. Steve Knight, R-Lancaster, closed the debate speaking in favor of some of the bill's research provisions beneficial to the civil aeronautics industry.

Quoting the U.S. Forest Service, Brownley's office said firefighting suppression efforts were interrupted at least 18 times last year because of unauthorized drone interference. In 10 of those events, aerial firefighting operations were delayed or halted and, in two instances, firefighting aircraft had to take evasive action to avoid being struck.

"Not only do UAS operations near wildfires put the lives of our aerial firefighters at risk, but any delay to contain wildfires endangers the lives of those on the ground and leads to further damage to property and homes," Brownley said in a statement, using the abbreviation for unmanned aerial systems.

President Barack Obama is expected to sign the measure into law before the existing authorization expires on Friday.