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Drone Incidents Over Ontario Wildfires Prompt Safety Warning
The Ontario government is reminding drone operators to stay far away from active wildland fires after multiple unauthorized drone incidents were reported over northwestern Ontario wildfires. The Greenstone Fire Management Headquarters says a drone was spotted flying over the active Nipigon 38 and 39 fires, while online footage was also shared from inside the perimeter of Fort Frances 14, a wildfire covering more than 55,000 hectares.Officials say flying a drone near a wildfire is not only dangerous, it's illegal. Under Canadian Aviation Regulations, drones are prohibited within five nautical miles, or about 9.3 kilometres, of an active forest fire.
Drone activity can force firefighting aircraft to change operations and creates a serious collision risk for pilots, firefighters, and emergency responders working on the front lines. Authorities are urging drone pilots to check Ontario's active fire map and review NOTAMs Notice to Air Missions through Nav Canada before every flight.
