British Columbia officials are reminding people it’s illegal and dangerous to fly drones in wildfire areas.
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said in a wildfire update this week the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) is getting more reports of unauthorized drones in the airspace around wildfires.
“The use of drones is a significant hazard to our crews who are fighting fires,” said Parmar.
The BCWS said in a social media Thursday post a birddog aircraft was struck by a drone while responding to a wildfire in the Cariboo Fire Centre region.
“Interference such as this poses significant risk to responder and public safety and impacts our ability to respond during critical periods,” it said.
Transport Canada and the B.C. Wildfire Service prohibit the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones of any size near a wildfire.
All unauthorized drones are prohibited within five nautical miles (9.3 kilometres) and about 3,000 feet (914-metres) above ground level of active wildfires.
The BCWS reminds the public that flying drones or otherwise impeding wildfire fighting efforts can lead to a fine of up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail.
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