When it comes to tackling wildfires, every advantage counts, especially for saving lives and protecting property. Aircraft play a crucial role in spotting fires early or even suppressing them before ground teams arrive, thus slowing their spread.
The achievements in using aircraft for wildfire fighting are extensive. For instance, last month, a robust aerial response successfully safeguarded the entire Rancho Fire community in Laguna Beach.
There have been similar successes reported in San Bernardino and Riverside, where air support played a pivotal role in quickly extinguishing two fires threatening homes.
The initial response to a wildfire can determine whether it becomes a minor incident or a catastrophic event. Time is critical—each passing second counts, and the amount of water dropped, measured in gallons, is vital. This is where aircraft can make a significant contribution.
For fires that escape initial containment, aircraft become essential in managing the situation. For example, an aerial effort was key in saving the Brentwood community during a recent Los Angeles fire.
However, it’s disappointing that aircraft can be grounded just as quickly as they’re deployed. Natural factors like strong winds or poor visibility can halt their operations, much like what our first responders sometimes face.
Yet, there is a pressing issue concerning unauthorized drones interfering with fire response efforts. As leaders of two major public safety agencies in Orange County, we feel compelled to speak out about this problem.
In January, a drone struck a super scooper aircraft during the Palisade fire, damaging its left wing. This grounded the plane for five days, significantly hampering firefighting efforts and endangering lives and property.
While this incident was particularly damaging, over 700 unauthorized drone sightings were recorded during the Palisade Fire, disrupting aerial firefighting repeatedly.
In July, during the Steel Fire in San Diego County, a near-collision occurred between a drone and firefighting helicopters, putting both crews and the public at risk.
Yes, there are severe penalties for such violations, including fines and imprisonment. However, local law enforcement currently lacks the capacity to address unauthorized drones directly.
The reliance on fast and powerful fire-fighting aircraft is critical, and the inability to neutralize drone threats continues to compromise operations, leading to property loss and, regrettably, endangerment to lives.
Moreover, the risks posed by illegal drone use extend beyond wildfires. They’ve been utilized to disrupt public events, invade privacy, and even deliver contraband to inmates, among other malicious activities linked to various criminal organizations.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, over 27,000 drone sightings occurred near the U.S.-Mexico border in the latter half of 2024 alone, often at night. These instances highlight the tactics used by cartel operations to facilitate illegal border crossings, surveillance for drug trafficking, and even coordinate explosive drops.
Though technology exists to combat unlawful drone activity, only specific federal agencies are currently authorized to use counter-drone equipment.
We appreciate the support from federal partners, but the challenge posed by rising drone usage cannot be effectively managed by a limited number of federal agents. The constraints on mitigation severely undermine public safety efforts until an unfortunate incident occurs.
It’s crucial that local law enforcement agencies are equipped and empowered to combat crimes committed by drones operating in their jurisdictions.
Interestingly, there are reports of cartel involvement in drone operations, raising concerns about the effectiveness of local law enforcement without access to counter-drone technology. The Orange County Sheriff’s Division, for example, has the local expertise to handle drone threats efficiently, yet lacks the authority to do so.
Earlier this year, a presidential order was issued to enhance counter-drone infrastructure, especially for major events like the upcoming World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. While this order will allocate some funding for equipment to state and local agencies, it won’t confer necessary drone countermeasures, which require legislative approval.
Both political parties have indicated that empowering local law enforcement with counter-drone authority is a bipartisan priority essential for the safety of all American citizens.
We urge federal leaders to address this public safety issue promptly.
Don Burns is a sheriff in Orange County, California. Brian Fennessy is the Orange County Fire Chief.
