Drone Safety Urged After Firefighting Efforts Halted In Southern BC

PRINCE GEORGE- Drone owners are feeling the heat this week after firefighting efforts were halted over the weekend near Castlegar, as someone tried to get a closer look at the Wilson Creek wildfire. Under federal and provincial law, flying a drone near a wildfire could land you in jail and with a fine of up to 100 thousand dollars. Fire officials say something as small as a drone can be deadly for those fighting fires from the air. “It’s just a really irresponsible behaviour,” said Fire Information Officer, Forrest Tower, “it can be deadly consequences if you choose to fly near a wildfire. There are other places to fly your drone, a wildfire just isn’t one of them.” 

The onus is on drone users to educate themselves about the many rules of flying. Transport Canada has a guide of some of those rules on its website.