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Disrupting air traffic around wildfires interferes with the safe, timely, and effective suppression of wildfires. It presents a significant safety risk to firefighters, emergency personnel, and the general public. While drones can be used by emergency response teams for fire suppression, unauthorized drone use near wildfires increases the likelihood of a midair collision with firefighting aircraft, forcing response teams to ground their operations and putting lives at risk.
Canadian law requires all drone pilots to fly according to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), including that only someone with permission can operate an aircraft within 9.3 kilometers of a wildfire. The airspace around and over a wildfire is closed to all aircraft, including drones, except those authorized by Transport Canada to be directly involved in fighting fires (CAR 601.15).
You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, if you break the rules. Provinces and territories may impose additional fines and/or jail time.
What you need to know
Drone pilots must be aware of any restrictions that apply to the airspace in their area and adjust operations accordingly.
Prior to flying a drone in the summer months, ensure that there are no smoke plumes or active forest fires within 9.3 kilometers.
Check NAV Drone, which provides real-time access to NOTAMs and restricted airspace information. A NOTAM is a notice issued by NAV CANADA containing essential information for safe flight operations. NOTAMs can increase the area of restricted airspace around a wildfire beyond the standard 9.3 kilometers (CAR 601.16).
Consult local sources of information, such as the fire management agency for your region.
Anyone witnessing drone operations that present an imminent threat to aviation and/or public safety should contact law enforcement immediately.
Anyone witnessing unsafe or illegal drone use should report the event via the Drone Incident Reporting Tool. Provide as much information as possible so that incidents can be reviewed more effectively (for example, clear photos and/or videos, date, time, drone type, other identifying marks, etc.).
Apply for an exemption to the CARs for wildfire response. Depending on their complexity, exemption applications take approximately four months to be processed by Transport Canada. The application must demonstrate that the exemption would be in the public’s best interest and not pose a threat to aviation safety or security.
