Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources temporarily suspended firefighting operations in northeastern Ontario on Sunday due to the presence of a drone in the vicinity. Fire information officer Sydney Morgan-Gervais emphasized the dangers of flying drones near wildland fires, highlighting the risk of collisions with firefighting aircraft and the potential harm to pilots, firefighters, and emergency personnel. Such incidents could result in severe aviation accidents causing injuries or fatalities.
Morgan-Gervais noted that two Canadair CL-415 water bombers were actively combating the 2.8-hectare Cochrane 32 wildfire located to the west of Kapuskasing. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the drone sighting. She mentioned a rise in drone-related occurrences in Ontario and highlighted that federal regulations prohibit non-approved aircraft, including drones, from operating within five nautical miles of a wildfire at altitudes below 3,000 feet.
As of Monday morning, the Cochrane 32 fire was under control and being managed effectively.