Spokane Valley Airspace Restriction for Firefighting

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  Spokane Valley airspace surrounding the Spokane Complex fires is restricted to unauthorized aircraft, including drones“The airspace surrounding the Spokane Complex fires is currently restricted to all unauthorized aircraft, including drones, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of aerial firefighting operations.”
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  The restriction is in effect as of August 5, 2026“August 5, 2026 Spokane, Wash. –The airspace surrounding the Spokane Complex fires is currently restricted to all unauthorized aircraft, including drones, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of aerial firefighting operations.”
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  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) aims to protect firefighting operations“The airspace surrounding the Spokane Complex fires is currently restricted to all unauthorized aircraft, including drones, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of aerial firefighting operations.”
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  The Washington State Patrol reported 26 unauthorized drones detected on August 2“On August 2, the system detected 26 unauthorized drones, followed by 13 additional unauthorized drones on August 3, causing aerial firefighting to stop at least once.”
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  The Washington State Patrol reported 13 unauthorized drones detected on August 3“On August 2, the system detected 26 unauthorized drones, followed by 13 additional unauthorized drones on August 3, causing aerial firefighting to stop at least once.”
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  Unauthorized drones disrupted aerial firefighting efforts“On August 2, the system detected 26 unauthorized drones, followed by 13 additional unauthorized drones on August 3, causing aerial firefighting to stop at least once.”
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  Drone operators must check for TFRs before flying“Before flying, drone operators should always check for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), No Drone Zones, and local ordinances.”
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  Drone operators must use the FAA's B4UFLY tool to verify permitted locations“Pilots are also encouraged to use the FAA's B4UFLY tool to verify they are flying in a location where drone operations are permitted.”
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  State fire resources were mobilized for the Autumn Fire on August 1, 2026“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Autumn Fire located in Spokane County, near Nine Mile Falls and Stevens County, near Suncrest. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Matt Vinci, Spokane County Fire District 9.”
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  The Autumn Fire started at 3:22 p.m.“The Autumn Fire started on August 1, 2026, at approximately 3:22 p.m.”
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  The Autumn Fire is burning 200 acres“This fire is estimated at 200 acres and growing.”
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  Evacuations are in effect for Level 2 and 3 areas near Nine Mile Falls“Level 2 and 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”