Spokane Valley Fires Trigger Drone Restrictions

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  Spokane Complex fires have triggered a Federal Aviation Administration Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) effective August 5, 2026“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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) Map and Information can be viewed here. https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_6_0894”
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  The TFR bans all unauthorized aircraft including drones in the area“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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  The unauthorized drones caused aerial firefighting to halt at least once“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 TFR aims to protect firefighter safety and effectiveness during aerial 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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  Drone operators are urged to check for restrictions using the FAA's B4UFLY tool before flying“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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  The Spokane County Sheriff's Office is monitoring the airspace with specialized equipment“The FBI Counter UAS Task Force, including members of the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Seattle Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol, has deployed specialized equipment capable of detecting unauthorized drones operating within the 24 hour restricted airspace.”
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  The Spokane County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the FBI Counter UAS Task Force to monitor the airspace“The FBI Counter UAS Task Force, including members of the King County Sheriff's Office, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, the Seattle Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol, has deployed specialized equipment capable of detecting unauthorized drones operating within the 24 hour restricted airspace.”
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  State fire resources were mobilized on August 1 for the Autumn Fire“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 began August 1 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 began near Nine Mile FallsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The Fairview Fire near Mead is also under investigationNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Both fires are under investigationNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Evacuations are in effect for affected areas“Level 2 and 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”