How far must an aircraft stay from a forest fire?

The requirement for aircraft to maintain specific distances from forest fires is designed to ensure safety for both the aerial operations and the firefighting efforts on the ground. The correct distance that aircraft must stay from a forest fire is typically established to avoid interference with firefighting operations, protect the safety of the pilot and the aircraft, and minimize risks associated with turbulence and smoke inhalation.

In this case, maintaining a distance within 5 nautical miles and below 3,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) effectively keeps aircraft clear of the immediate area where firefighting activities are concentrated. This distance is critical in areas where water bombing aircraft and other emergency responders are active, as it allows them to perform their tasks without the risk of being adversely affected by the presence of other aircraft, particularly general aviation traffic.

This regulation ensures that there is enough vertical separation to avoid the risks posed by smoke and turbulence rising from the fire, which can be significant and pose hazards to flying at lower altitudes.