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Crews working hot spots at the Westside Road wildfire. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
BC Wildfire Service says that they’ve been forced to stop air operations on the Westside Road fire because of drones.
Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVS) or “drones” have been overhead the fire, causing a helicopter delivering water and supporting ground crews to be grounded. Wildfires are all considered to be “Flight Restricted” in the Canadian Air Regulations. The restricted area is a radius of five nautical miles around the fire and an altitude of 3000 feet above the ground. Operating any aircraft not involved in fire suppression, including drones, in this area is illegal.
RCMP are now working with the BC Wildfire Service in relation to the incident.
The BC Wildfire Service calls this illegal aerial activity dangerous, saying it “poses a significant safety risk to personnel, especially when low-flying firefighting aircraft are present."
Both Transport Canada and the Wildfire Management Branch prohibit the use of drones of any size near a wildfire. You can find more information here.
A helicopter fighting the Westside Road wildfire. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
An area restriction remains in place for areas around the Westside Road wildfire to protect firefighting personnel and the public. The blaze is still an estimated 560 hectares and 90 per cent contained. Crews are working Saturday to mop up perimeter of the fire and there are 60 firefighters, one helicopter, and two pieces of heavy equipment on scene.
The Kamloops Fire Centre asks residents to use extreme caution in the backcountry and avoid activities that could cause a wildfire. The Fire Danger Rating throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre is currently “high” to “extreme”.
To report a fire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com
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