Roseburg Police Cite Individual for Interfering with Firefighter During Mt. Nebo Fire

On July 31, 2025, Roseburg Police responded to an incident in Roseburg, involving interference with firefighting efforts during an active fire near Mt. Nebo.

Christopher Alan Page, age 41, of Roseburg, was cited for interfering with a firefighter after he flew a drone over the fire zone, hindering critical aerial firefighting operations.

The Douglas Forest Protection Association (DFPA) was actively working to contain a fire on Mt. Nebo. However, their efforts were significantly impacted because aircraft were unable to drop water on the fire due to an unauthorized drone flying overhead.

Police officers, with the assistance of DFPA, traced the drone operation to Page's address on Main Street. Upon contact, Page admitted to flying the drone just east of the South Umpqua River to film the fire. Video posted by Page on Facebook showed the drone hovering above a helicopter and the fire zone.

As a direct result of Page’s actions, the DFPA was forced to suspend all aircraft water drops to ensure safety, which complicated firefighting efforts.

Page was cited and released on scene under Oregon Revised Statute 162.257 for intervening with a firefighter.

This incident serves as a reminder that drone operations near active fire scenes are illegal and endanger the safety of first responders and the public. Federal, state, and local agencies strongly advise the public to avoid flying drones in wildfire areas.