'Zero tolerance' for drones near active wildfires

The Prince George Fire Centre is warning residents that flying drones near active wildfires is illegal and could result in hefty fines or even jail time.

All wildfire areas are automatically flight restricted areas under Canadian aviation regulations. The restricted area is a radius of five nautical miles (9.26 km) around the fire, from ground level up to an elevation of 3,000 feet (914.4 metres).

"Flying a UAV in the restricted airspace near a wildfire is dangerous and poses a significant safety risk to aviation resources and ground crews," a statement issued by the Prince George Fire Centre said. "The presence of a UAV or drone near a wildfire can slow down or completely shut down all aviation resources on the fire, due to safety concerns. It may also slow or shut down ground crew operations. This has happened a few times in recent years and has delayed the BC Wildfire Service’s firefighting response."

A mid-air collision between a drone and a helicopter or water bomber could have deadly results.

"There is zero tolerance for people who fly drones in active wildfire areas. Anyone found interfering with wildfire control efforts, including flying drones or UAVs, can face penalties up to $100,00 and/or up to one year in jail," the statement said.

As of Thursday, there was only one active wildfire in the Prince George area. The four-hectare wildfire near Morfee Lake, about 184 km north of the city, was listed as being under control on Thursday.

The B.C. Wildfire Service has responded to 251 fires in the province so far this year.