Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce the Wildfire Aerial Response Safety Act of 2025, aimed at improving safety in aerial firefighting operations. The legislation is co-led by Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), and Joe Neguse (D-CO).
The bill instructs the Federal Aviation Administration, working with the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, to study how unauthorized drone activity affects firefighting on federal lands. The study will gather data on drone incursions, their impact on fire suppression efforts, resulting delays, and extra costs for the federal government. It will also review possible prevention measures such as counter-drone technology, improved infrastructure, and public education campaigns about the risks posed by drones during wildfire responses.
The findings and policy recommendations must be submitted to congressional committees within 18 months after the law takes effect.
Arizona often experiences wildfires and has seen an increase in unauthorized drone use. Rep. Crane noted that addressing obstacles to firefighting operations is critical for his state.
“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.”
Eli Crane currently serves in Congress representing Arizona’s 2nd district after replacing Tom O’Halleran in 2023. Born in Tucson in 1980, Crane lives in Oro Valley.
