06/13/2026
Aircraft are being used to support wildland firefighting efforts on multiple wildfires in our state right now. Wildfires are a no-drone zone.
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 North Carolina Forest Service.
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.
Remember, wildfires are a no-drone zone. If you fly, we can’t.
