The Northwest Territories RCMP have received concerns from the Government of the Northwest Territories in relation to the use of drones near firefighting operations. The use of drones in areas where firefighting is taking place or on flight paths of firefighting aircraft presents a serious risk to fire crews and prevents the aircraft from being able to assist in firefighting efforts. The low altitude that firefighting aircraft need to fly at means that collisions with illegally operated drones is more likely than under normal flying conditions. The use of drones in firefighting areas will be investigated by the RCMP and fines range from $1000 for failing to comply with licensing and operating regulations to $3000 for putting people or aircraft at risk.
The RCMP would like to remind the public that the use of remotely piloted aircraft systems or "drones," is regulated by Transport Canada and under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. These regulations include that the drone must be operated:
- below 90 m above the ground
- at least 30 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 250 g up to 1 kg)
- at least 75 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 1 kg up to 35 kg)
- at least 5.5 km away from aerodromes (any airport, seaplane base, or areas where aircraft take-off and land)
- at least 1.8 km away from heliports or aerodromes used by helicopters only
- outside of controlled or restricted airspace
- at least 9 km away from a natural hazard or disaster area
- away from areas where operation could interfere with fire fighters, police or first responders
- during the day and not in clouds or smoke
- within your sight at all times
- within 500 m of yourself or closer
- must be clearly marked with your name, address and phone number
A complete set of rules, regulations and requirements can be found at https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flying-your-drone-safely-legally#legal