BC Wildfire Service reminds drone operators to stay clear of fires, reports disruptions
Posted June 27, 2023 10:05 pm.
The BC Wildfire Service is reminding locals not to use drones or UAVs around active fires.
The service says it experienced some disruptions yesterday around the Glenlion River fire near the district of Port Hardy for this very reason. Aircrews had trouble tending to the fire after drones were reported nearby.
There have been reports of the presence of UAVs or drones near the incident today, the presence of which can slow down or completely shut down aerial firefighting efforts. Transport Canada and BCWS explicitly prohibit the use of UAVs or drones of any size near a wildfire.
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 27, 2023
Jean Strong with BC Wildfire Services says there are serious consequences for those who are causing these disruptions.
“If you were to be found to be flying any kind of drone or UAV within that airspace — it’s up to $100,000 fine, being jailed up to one year, or both,” she said.
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Strong says, not only is it illegal, but the main concern is the safety risk it poses for pilots and flight crews.
“It can actually completely shut down all of our aerial firefighting efforts,” she said.
“I think even more significant than the fine or jail is the potential impact that you could have on human life when we have crews flying in the air.”
Strong adds that all wildfires are automatically flight restricted with a radius of five miles around the blaze.
