Today, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) joined Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), and Joe Neguse (D-CO) in introducing the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act of 2025 to improve aerial firefighting safety.

The legislation directs the Federal Aviation Administration, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, to study the effects of unauthorized drone activity on firefighting operations across federal lands. The resulting report would help Congress better understand the issue and develop policies to mitigate risks.

Specifically, the study would collect data on the number of drone incursions, their impact on suppression efforts, associated delays, and additional costs to the federal government. It would also evaluate prevention measures such as counter-drone technologies and infrastructure, as well as public education campaigns highlighting the dangers of drone interference.

Within 18 months of enactment, the findings and policy recommendations must be submitted to the relevant congressional committees. Given Arizona’s frequent wildfires and rising unauthorized drone usage, Rep. Crane recognizes the importance of removing obstacles to suppression operations.

“I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation to address the growing issue of drones interfering with aerial fire suppression efforts. Arizona is prone to devastating wildfires, and it’s imperative that we minimize obstruction and delays,” said Rep. Crane. “With our bill, Congress would have the necessary information to craft policies that help our firefighters combat wildfires before they get out of control. I urge my colleagues to support our approach.”