A 3.5 hectare wildfire is burning southwest of Port Hardy, however crews have noticed multiple drones flying around the restricted zone which has disrupted response efforts. (BC Wildfire Service)

By Alex Rawnsley

no fly zone

Drones interfering with wildfire response near Port Hardy

Jun 27, 2023 | 10:20 AM

NANAIMO — Those battling out-of-control wildfires on the northern edge of Vancouver Island are having to watch the skies for more than just water drops.

BC Wildfire Service crews had reported UAV’s, unmanned aerial vehicles (or drones) being flown in and around the wildfire which was reported around 2:45 p.m. on Monday, June 26 near the Glenlion River, around two kilometres southwest of Port Hardy.

Coastal Fire Centre information officer Sam Bellion said flying anywhere near an active wildfire is extremely dangerous on many fronts.

“The presence of those can really slow down or completely shut down our aerial firefighting efforts. I do know today they’re hoping to get out there with air tankers and helicopters, so the public’s cooperation is critical.”

Both Transport Canada and the BC Wildfire Service prohibit the use of drones of any size near a wildfire and a five-nautical mile flight-restricted radius is automatically established when a fire breaks out.

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Restrictions are in place to a minimum of 3,000 feet above ground level.

Drone operators caught flying in a restricted zone face fines of up to $25,000 and up to 18 months in jail.

Bellion added crews continue to action the fire, which measures around 3.5 hectares in size.

“We did respond yesterday with an air tanker group, initial and expanded attack crews, two response officers, two helicopters and heavy equipment.”

Crews remain on scene Tuesday, with the BC Wildfire Service continuing to list it as out of control.

Bellion noted residents of the Port Hardy area will notice a lot of smoke in the region and the fire is considered highly visible.

A second, smaller fire was also reported Monday on Staples Island in the Shelter Passage. It measures less than 0.01 hectares in size.

Meanwhile, both the 229-hectare Cameron Bluffs wildfire and 0.8 hectare Whisky Lake wildfire in Extension remain under control with no further growth or complications expected.

— with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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