EUREKA, Utah, June 26, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — A drone pilot was cited Thursday afternoon after allegedly flying in restricted airspace over the Iron Fire area outside Eureka in southwestern Utah County.
According to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, deputies detected the drone about 2 p.m., located the private pilot operating it and issued a citation for flying in the restricted airspace.
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office said it, along with local, state and federal partners and members of the media, has repeatedly warned the public that flying drones near active wildland fires is both dangerous and illegal because it can force firefighting aircraft to suspend operations for the safety of flight crews.
Earlier this week, a drone incursion temporarily grounded aerial firefighting operations on the Iron Fire, according to the sheriff’s office.
Under Utah Code 65A-3-2.5, it is unlawful to fly a drone in restricted airspace around an active wildland fire. Violations may result in fines and potential imprisonment, the sheriff’s office said.
Officials said anyone found violating the law will, at a minimum, be issued a citation and, depending on the circumstances, could be booked into the Utah County Jail.
