Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources temporarily suspended firefighting operations in northeastern Ontario on Sunday due to the presence of a drone in the area. Sydney Morgan-Gervais, a fire information officer, emphasized the dangers of flying drones near wildfires, highlighting the risk of collisions with firefighting aircraft that could jeopardize the safety of pilots, firefighters, and emergency personnel. She warned that such incidents could result in serious aviation accidents, causing severe injuries or fatalities.
Morgan-Gervais mentioned that two Canadair CL-415 water bombers were actively combating the 2.8-hectare Cochrane 32 wildfire located west of Kapuskasing. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the drone sighting. The frequency of drone-related incidents in Ontario has been on the rise, she noted.
Under federal regulations, unauthorized aircraft, including drones, are prohibited from operating within a five-mile radius of a wildfire at altitudes below 3,000 feet. By Monday morning, the Cochrane 32 fire was under control and being managed effectively.