Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources paused firefighting operations in northeastern Ontario on Sunday after detecting a drone in the vicinity. Fire information officer Sydney Morgan-Gervais emphasized the dangers of flying drones over wildfires, citing the potential for collisions with firefighting aircraft that could endanger pilots, firefighters, and emergency personnel. She highlighted the severe consequences of drone strikes on aircraft, which could result in serious aviation incidents, injuries, or fatalities.
Morgan-Gervais reported 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 incident. Drone-related issues have been on the rise in Ontario, with regulations stipulating that unauthorized aircraft, including drones, are not allowed to fly within five nautical miles of a wildfire if they are below 3,000 feet in altitude.
As of Monday morning, the Cochrane 32 fire was under control and being managed by firefighting personnel.
