Can you fly drones near a firefighting operation?

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a notice to pilots that communicates a temporary zone that restricts air travel due to a hazard hazardous condition, special event, or as a general warning for the entire Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airspace. Large sports games and presidential visits are common reasons for a TFR to be enacted.

“It places restrictions on who can and cannot fly. Generally speaking, if there's a TFR, you can't fly through it,” said Cooper Fanning, a pilot with Henderson flight school Cactus Aviation. “And there are multiple government agencies that would not be very happy if you get into those TFRs.”

While requesting special access into a TFR airspace is possible, Fanning said it is unlikely to be provided to civilians during emergency scenarios like the Palisades Fire.

[CrabbyOldLady]

Very good presentation. Every drone pilot should have a pre-flight checklist. Checking for TFRs and NOTAMs (Notices To Airmen) should be on every checklist. They're two different things which should be checked separately. And while every Part 107 certified drone pilot will be familiar with these things, the vast majority of drone pilots are recreational flyers who have not gone through the same level of training. Clearly presented stories like this one are a big help.

[gwfarmer]

Idk bout y’all but I can go to Walmart get a large drone and fly that baby WHERE EVER I WANT! You really think some rando is going to need to take a test about my flight area or EVEN LOOK at that fancy map…

[bobsuruncle]

Yeah..y’all know it’s people doing it on purpose right?