18 U.S.C. § 40A — Operation of unauthorized unmanned aircraft over wildfires

(a) In general. It is a federal crime to operate a drone in a way that knowingly or recklessly interferes with wildfire suppression, or with law enforcement or emergency response efforts connected to fighting a wildfire. The punishment is a fine, up to 2 years in prison, or both. (b) Exceptions. This crime does not apply to drone flights by a federal, state, tribal, or local government unit or agency — including anyone flying under a contract with one of them — when the flight is for public safety, such as firefighting, law enforcement, or emergency response. (c) Definitions. (1) "Unmanned aircraft" has the same meaning as in 49 U.S.C. § 44801. (2) "Wildfire" has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Emergency Wildfire Suppression Act. (3) "Wildfire suppression" means any effort to contain, put out, or hold back a wildfire.