The Chetamon Wildfire in Jasper National Park, September 5, 2022. (Image: Parks Canada)

By David Opinko

Wildfires

Four charged in connection to illegal drone use at Jasper wildfire

Sep 21, 2022 | 6:14 PM

JASPER, AB – Officials with Parks Canada are reminding the public that it is illegal to fly drones at the sites of active wildfires.

Charges have been laid against four individuals after they allegedly did so at the Chetamon Wildfire in Jasper National Park.

Parks Canada says they have observed eight incidents involving drones since the fire started on September 1, 2022, seven of which directly affected firefighting operations.

“Flying drones during fire operations endangers the lives and well-being of pilots and Parks Canada firefighters in the air and on the ground. When aircraft are grounded for any length of time, it causes unnecessary delays in firefighting efforts,” reads a media release from Parks Canada.

Under Transport Canada Aircraft Access Regulations, no aircraft may fly within a roughly nine-kilometre radius of a wildfire in a national park without authorization.

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Park wardens seized four drones and charged four separate parties under the National Parks Act. The maximum fine for this offence, if convicted, is $25,000.

“In all four instances, swift reporting by members of the public was key to Park Wardens being able to respond quickly, investigate and lay charges. Parks Canada appreciates the support of the public in reporting these dangerous situations,” Parks Canada says.

Members of the public can report illegal activities in national parks by phoning 780-852-6155.