Air crew operations were halted Sunday because of a drone that invaded air space over the Testalinden Creek fire. RCMP are currently investigating the illegal activity. Photo by Richard McGuire
The RCMP and the BC Wildfire Service are looking for the person responsible for a drone that jeopardized people’s safety on Sunday during firefighting efforts in Oliver.
Yesterday, aircraft were forced to halt operations on the Testalinden Creek and Wilson Mountain wildfires due to an unmanned aerial vehicle (or drone) flying over the fire.
Eight helicopters and five fixed-wing aircraft that were supporting ground crews were grounded, which significantly impacted fire suppression operations.
BC Wildlife Service spokesperson Noelle Kekula said the bird dog spotted the drone and communicated that to other pilots, who had to land for safety reasons. She said the drone posed significant risk to air personnel and ground crews because of the potential for a mid-air collision.
Kekula said an RCMP helicopter searched for the drone but could not find it. Fire suppression operations resumed after that.
All wildfires are considered to be “flight restricted” as per the Canadian Air Regulations. The area restricted is within a radius of five nautical miles around the fire and to an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level. The operation of any aircraft not associated with suppression activities within this area is illegal.
This aerial activity is dangerous and poses a significant safety risk to personnel, especially when low-flying firefighting aircraft are present.
Transport Canada and the BC Wildfire Service explicitly prohibit the use of drones of any size near a wildfire.
On Sunday, BC Premier Christy Clark visited Oliver to thank firefighters for all their efforts. She was also quick to condemn the person responsible for the drone, saying when these machines interfere with aircraft, people may be losing their homes.
Fire update
The Testalinden Creek wildfire is estimated at approximately 1,600 hectares and is 40 per cent contained. Today 80 firefighters, four pieces of heavy equipment, seven helicopters and air support are working on the fire. Crews worked on the fire overnight.
It was previously confirmed that one home was damaged by the blaze.
The Wilson Mountain Road wildfire is estimated at approximately 315 hectares and is 70 per cent contained. Today 28 firefighters with air support continue work on this fire to increase containment.
The evacuation order for Testalinden Creek has been removed and residents are being allowed to return home. However, they are still on alert in case they need to evacuate again. The evacuation alert for Wilson Mountain Road remains in effect. Those residents were allowed back home on Saturday.
See the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen website for details: http://www.rdos.bc.ca/news-events/eoc/current-eoc/
Both of these fires remain active and the BC Wildfire Service asks the public and media to not enter areas that crews are working in, particularly areas under evacuation order. This is both for their own safety, and the safety of personnel.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
