The BC Wildfire Service had to shut down aerial operations fighting the province's biggest blaze Monday because people were flying drones in the area, according to a social media post.
The Keremeos Creek Wildfire is currently classified as "being held" and evacuation alerts and orders have been rescinded but it is still estimated at more than 7,000 hectares. Seventy-eight firefighters, three helicopters and three pieces of heavy equipment are still on scene working to keep it contained, according to the service's website.
The service took to Twitter to remind people of the dangers of flying drones in areas where firefighters are working, after two separate instances of "unauthorized" usage.
"The presence of drones on the wildfire resulted in a complete shutdown of aerial firefighting efforts due to safety concerns. This type of activity is extremely dangerous," the post began.
Planned ignition near the Keremeos Creek wildfire conducted on Aug. 17, 2022. (B.C. Wildfire Service/Twitter)
