BC Wildfire Service staff were forced to temporarily halt air operations on the Kimbol Lake wildfire (near Nakusp) on Saturday, July 10, due to people operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or “drones”) near the fire.

This situation resulted in a helicopter being grounded. The airspace around the Kimbol Lake fire is once again clear for firefighting aircraft to operate.

The use of drones near a wildfire is illegal. All wildfires are automatically considered to be “flight restricted,” according to Canadian Aviation Regulations. The restricted airspace includes a radius of five nautical miles around the fire, and to an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level.

The presence of drones near an active wildfire can slow down, or completely shut down aerial firefighting efforts, due to safety concerns. If a drone collides with firefighting aircraft, the consequences could be deadly.
Anyone caught operating a drone that interferes with fire control could be fined up to $100,000, or jailed for up to one year, or both.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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