Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources temporarily ceased 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, as they could potentially collide with firefighting aircraft, endangering pilots, firefighters, and emergency personnel. The official warned that such incidents could lead to severe aviation accidents, resulting in injuries or fatalities.

Morgan-Gervais mentioned 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. Drone-related occurrences have been on the rise in Ontario, she noted.

Under federal regulations, unauthorized aircraft, including drones, are not permitted to fly within five nautical miles of a wildfire at altitudes below 3,000 feet. As of Monday morning, the Cochrane 32 fire was under control.