Drone spotted above Charlie Lake fire

CHARLIE LAKE, B.C. — A drone reportedly entered the restricted airspace around the wildfire in Charlie Lake Wednesday evening.

The BC Wildfire Service posted about the incident on Twitter Thursday afternoon.

#BCWildfire continues to respond to the Coffee Creek wildfire (G80190) alongside the Charlie Lake Fire Dept. A drone entered the restricted airspace yesterday evening while aircraft were working the area. Please assist us in keeping people safe by reporting these incidents.

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) May 4, 2023

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the area around an active wildfire has an automatic airspace restriction around the fire and up to 3,000 feet vertically. 

Using aircraft or drones within the space of a wildfire is illegal and can impact or even stop wildfire operations.

According to the Government of Canada, fines can be up to $1,000 for flying where not allowed and up to $3,000 for putting aircraft and people at risk.

For more information, visit the Government of Canada’s website on Drone safety.