The BC Wildfire Service reported that an illegal civilian drone struck a firefighting aircraft during operations against a blaze in the Cariboo Fire Centre. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, involved a bird dog plane responsible for directing airtankers and other aircraft. Fortunately, only minor damage was caused to one of the wings of the aircraft, which was quickly repaired and back in service the next morning. No injuries were reported, and the RCMP is currently investigating the matter.
The service emphasized the serious risks posed by such interference with aerial operations and warned that flying drones in restricted areas could lead to penalties of up to $100,000 and a year in jail. Unauthorized drone flights near wildfires, including small models weighing less than 250 grams, are strictly prohibited within a designated radius to ensure the safety of firefighting efforts.
In a related development, the Mine Creek fire near the Coquihalla Highway has reached 19 square kilometers in size, prompting evacuations and alerts in the surrounding areas. The highway was closed as a precaution, with motorists advised to seek alternative routes. The fire, which exhibited intense behavior at Rank 5 on Wednesday, has since decreased to Rank 2 and 3, with ongoing monitoring and firefighting efforts in place.
As temperatures rise and with lightning in the forecast, British Columbia’s Forests Minister has warned of increased wildfire activity in the region. The province continues to grapple with hazy conditions from wildfires, leading to air quality concerns in Metro Vancouver and the potential for deterioration in the coming days.