BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) was made aware of a drone flying near the Mount Underwood wildfire on Tuesday, Aug. 12. While the drone's sighting did not endanger BCWS crews or cause a pause in operations, it is being investigated by RCMP.

Drones are not allowed to fly near wildfires. In some cases, the danger a drone could pose to aerial firefighting aircraft causes them to be grounded until it is safe to return to the air.

"During the response to an emerging incident such as the Mount Underwood fire, this could take precious time away from helicopters being able to bucket and/or air tankers and skimmers being able to respond," BCWS said in an email statement. "Another very real danger is a potential collision between a drone and an aircraft, and this could potentially be deadly."

Penaltie

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