B.C.’s wildfire service had to shut down aerial operations fighting the province’s largest fire on Monday because people were flying drones in the area, according to a social media post.
The Keremeos Creek wildfire is currently classified as “held” and warnings and evacuation orders have been lifted, but is still estimated at more than 7,000 acres. Seventy-eight firefighters, three helicopters and three heavy equipment are still working to keep it contained, according to the service’s website.
The service took to Twitter to remind people of the dangers of flying drones in areas where firefighters do this activity after two separate cases of “unauthorized” use.
“The presence of drones in the wildfire led to the complete shutdown of aerial firefighting efforts due to safety concerns. This type of activity is extremely dangerous,” the post began.
“It poses a significant safety risk to BC wildfire personnel, especially when there are firefighting aircraft flying low. If a drone collides with firefighting aircraft, the consequences could be fatal . There is zero tolerance for people flying drones in active wildfire areas.”
There is an automatic restriction where wildfires are burning that prohibits any aircraft, including drones, from flying within five nautical miles of the fire and less than 3,000 feet above ground level, the service says.
The penalty for this includes fines of up to $100,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
Today, there were 2 cases of unauthorized drone activity on the Keremeos Creek Wildfire (K50863). The presence of drones in the wildfire led to the complete halt of aerial firefighting efforts due to safety concerns. This type of activity is extremely dangerous, pic.twitter.com/nKi0wuoJdI
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 30, 2022