Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources paused firefighting operations in northeastern Ontario on Sunday after a drone was sighted in the vicinity. Fire information officer Sydney Morgan-Gervais emphasized the dangers of flying drones over wildfires, highlighting the risk of collisions with firefighting aircraft that could endanger pilots, firefighters, and emergency personnel. Such collisions can result in severe aviation incidents causing injuries or fatalities.
During the incident, two Canadair CL-415 water bombers were deployed to combat the 2.8-hectare Cochrane 32 wildfire located west of Kapuskasing. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the matter. Morgan-Gervais noted a rise in drone-related incidents in Ontario, citing federal regulations that prohibit non-approved aircraft, including drones, from operating within five nautical miles of a wildfire at altitudes below 3,000 feet.
By Monday morning, the Cochrane 32 fire was under control. The ministry stressed the importance of adhering to airspace regulations to ensure the safety of aerial firefighting operations.