Aviation News

Drone Interferes With Utah Wildfire Response

Officials warned firefighting aircraft could be grounded after a drone was spotted near the Eight Mile Fire.

Matt Ryan

Monday, August 10, 2026 at 11:43 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Zach Vasile

[Credit: lzf | Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

A drone interfered with aerial firefighting operations at the 60-acre Eight Mile Fire in Utah, prompting officials to warn that air assets would be grounded.
Emergency officials issued an urgent plea for the drone operator to cease flying immediately, citing safety concerns and the need to control the fire quickly.
The lightning-caused fire was later contained, but authorities did not confirm if firefighting aircraft were ultimately grounded or if the drone operator was identified.

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A drone interfered with aerial firefighting operations Saturday as crews battled the Eight Mile Fire west of Cedar City, Utah, according to Iron County emergency officials. The fire grew to about 60 acres as crews used retardant drops and helicopters to contain the lightning-caused blaze.

“Air assets will be grounded unless this drone stops flying!!!” Iron County Emergency Management said in a Facebook post reported by KSL. “If this is your drone please cease immediately so that we can get this fire under control quickly! Please do not fly drones near an active fire.”

By Sunday, officials said the fire had stopped growing and crews were continuing mop-up operations. Authorities did not say whether firefighting aircraft were ultimately grounded or whether the drone operator was identified.

Matt Ryan

Matt is AVweb's lead editor. His eyes have been turned to the sky for as long as he can remember. Now a fixed-wing pilot, instructor and aviation writer, Matt also leads and teaches a high school aviation program in the Dallas area. Beyond his lifelong obsession with aviation, Matt loves to travel and has lived in Greece, Czechia and Germany for studies and for work.

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