Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act

This legislation requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a comprehensive study on the effects of drone incursions on wildfire suppression. This study, to be performed in consultation with the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, will focus specifically on federal lands where temporary flight restrictions are in place due to wildfires. The study must determine, for the five most recent calendar years, the number of instances where private drones interfered with wildfire suppression. For each occurrence, it will estimate the impact on the length of time required for suppression , any associated delays in deploying aerial firefighting units, and the resulting increase in federal expenditures. Furthermore, the Administrator will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of various actions to prevent drone incursions, including the use of counter-drone radio towers, the application of reasonable force to disable or destroy drones, drone seizure methods, and the dissemination of educational materials. A report detailing the study's findings and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within 18 months of the Act's enactment.