SPOKANE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Fire officials are warning drone operators to stay away from wildfire zones after a surge in illegal flights near the Spokane Complex fires.

The state Department of Natural Resources says at least 40 unauthorized drones were spotted in restricted airspace Monday, Aug. 3, forcing all firefighting aircraft to suspend operations.

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels says there were four cases Sunday alone where drones were directly in the flight path of firefighting aircraft.

He says the FBI has partnered with Spokane and King County officers to enforce the no-fly zone.

“We have cases that we have referred to the FAA for $100,000 fines each for being in that zone,” Nowels said during a press conference Monday that shared details on the man arrested on suspicion of starting the Old Trails Fire. “They are actively disrupting firefighting efforts.”

He warns that if you violate the no-fly zone, officials will find you.

“You will be contacted by our law enforcement teams if you’re flying drones there. And we’re done playing games with it,” Nowels continued.

Officials say the message is simple: if you see smoke, keep your drone on the ground so firefighters can do their jobs safely.