§ 40A. Operation of unauthorized unmanned aircraft over wildfires

• (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), an individual who operates an unmanned aircraft and knowingly or recklessly interferes with a wildfire suppression, or law enforcement or emergency response efforts 1 1 So in original. Probably should be “effort”. related to a wildfire suppression, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.
• (b) This section does not apply to the operation of an unmanned aircraft conducted by a unit or agency of the United States Government or of a State, tribal, or local government (including any individual conducting such operation pursuant to a contract or other agreement entered into with the unit or agency) for the purpose of protecting the public safety and welfare, including firefighting, law enforcement, or emergency response.
• (c) In this section, the following definitions apply:
  • (1) The term “unmanned aircraft” has the meaning given the term in section 44801 of title 49 , United States Code.
  • (2) The term “wildfire” has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Emergency Wildfire Suppression Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1856m ).
  • (3) The term “wildfire suppression” means an effort to contain, extinguish, or suppress a wildfire.