Author: Ali Asgary, Professor, Disaster & Emergency Management, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies & Director, CIFAL York, York University, Canada

Unauthorized and irresponsible use of drones in wildfire zones can create problems for firefighting aircraft, as seen in a recent collision during the Los Angeles wildfires. A Canadian Super Scooper aircraft assisting with the wildfire suppression was grounded after being hit by a drone. This incident forced a temporary halt on all air response operations for at least half an hour. Officials in Southern California have requested that people not fly drones in the wildfire zones. This is not the first time that a drone has disrupted a wildfire response. During the Jasper National Park wildfire in July 2024 all…