((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  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 , United States Code.

((2)) ** .—** The term “wildfire” has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Emergency Wildfire Suppression Act ().

((3)) ** .—** The term “wildfire suppression” means an effort to contain, extinguish, or suppress a wildfire.