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UAS Incursions

 

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, have become more common on wildland fire incidents. Trained UAS operators provide incident support through aerial operations. While UAS have become more common, unauthorized UAS incursions have also become increasingly common. A UAS incursion is defined as a non-participating UAS operating over or near an incident that intrudes into an area with a temporary flight restriction (TFR) or interferes with incident/mission operations.

Unauthorized UAS flights pose a serious risk to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of incident operations. Incident aircraft such as helicopters and fixed-wing can fly at very low altitudes, typically just a couple of hundred feet above the ground, similar to unmanned aircraft. This increases the risk of mid-air collisions or pilot distractions that could result in a serious or fatal accident.

Unauthorized UAS flights could lead incident managers to suspend aircraft operations until the UAS has left the airspace and managers are confident it will not return. This can lead to delays in operations and tactical support, while threatening lives, property, transportation of personnel, and valuable natural and cultural resources.

An additional risk associated with unauthorized UAS operating in the airspace around an incident is the potential for it to lose its communication link with the operator. This could result in the drone falling and potentially causing serious injuries or death to incident personnel working below.

What should you do if you see a non-participating UAS over your incident?

  • Notify the Air Attack Group Supervisor (ATGS) over the incident:
  • Time spotted, Location, Attitude, Direction, Operator, Location
  • If there is no ATGS over the incident:
  • Notify pilots over the incident: Time spotted, Location, Attitude, Direction, Operator, Location
  • Notify dispatch of incursion: Time spotted, Location, Attitude, Direction, Operator, Location
  • Additional contacts that may be needed:
  • Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), Law Enforcement Officer (LEO),
  • Incident Commander (IC)
  • Unit or Forest Aviation Officer (UAM/FAO), Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC),
  • Agency UAS Safety Manager

File a SAFECOM

 

Category
Aviation

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Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
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The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

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Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

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Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

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The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

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NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

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