Someone flew a drone over an active fire in the Kootenays and grounded all aircraft

NAKUSP – Airborne operations on an active wildfire were halted Sunday because someone flew a drone over the fire. 

B.C. Wildfire says it didn't just ground crews working the Wilson Creek fire near Nakusp, it forced pilots on other fires in the area to divert their flight paths as well.

The skies were cleared some time later for flights to resume, but now the RCMP is investigating the interference. It's illegal to fly unmanned aerial vehicles within five nautical miles of a fire or within 3,000 feet above ground level. 

It could result in some heavy fines, a criminal record, perhaps jail time and likely having your picture shared widely across social media.

It should be obvious that drones can be very dangerous around other aircraft, like helicopters, forcing them to land, but here we are.

"If a drone collides with firefighting aircraft, the consequences could be deadly," the ministry said in a release.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Marshall Jones or call 250-718-2724 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.