Reports of two unauthorized drones interfering with aerial firefighting by posing a collision risk to pilots has caused Arkansas to stop all aerial fighting wildfires operations following the continued drone incursions.

These drone incidents have become a continued problem facing aerial firefighting operations, despite the FAA announcing stronger enforcement against unauthorized drone operations. Currently anyone flying drones near aircraft during a wildfire are liable to face civil penalties of up to $75,000 per violation and under federal law the penalties for operating an unmanned aircraft during aerial wildfire operations include imprisonment of up to two years.