As ground crews on Tuesday placed hoses and sprinklers along the southern perimeter of the Chetamon Wildfire, about 15 kilometers north of the town of Jasper, fire experts took to the air to get an updated look at its size.
At the far northern edge of the fire, eight helicopters with buckets dropped water in an attempt to cool and suppress the flames.
Until, they were withdrawn due to two illegal drones.
“All eight helicopters had to sit until we could confirm the drones were no longer airborne,” Parks Canada fire management officer Katie Ellsworth told reporters Wednesday. “This means critical firefighting operations have stopped and in this case, it was for about an hour in the middle of the peak burning season.”
Not only is the use of drones prohibited in Canada’s national parks without a permit, drones are considered an additional hazard for aircraft operators to consider when fighting fires, in addition to dense smoke, high winds, large flames at lower elevations and dynamic airspace .
Ellsworth called the use of drones during the fire “unsafe and irresponsible.”
“If this activity occurs during a very active fire day, it could lead to an increase in fire behavior, it could lead to the injury or death of a firefighter, and if there is an interaction between a drone and a helicopter while they are flying, it could be disastrous for the pilot and the helicopter.”
In total, three drone operators have been reported flying over the Chetamon Wildfire. The first was reported along Highway 16, the main route through the national park, on September 4.
“Drone users who violate Parks Canada regulations, especially the airspace near the Chetamon Fire, and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible,” Parks Canada said.
Those at the controls face a fine of up to $25,000.
Residents and park users are asked to report illegal activity to park dispatch at 780-852-6155.
The latest information on Jasper National Park closures is available online.
