Transport Canada Issues Emergency Aviation Directives Restricting Unauthorized Drones Near Wildfires

OTTAWA, ON — Transport Canada and NAV CANADA published an emergency Aviation Security Notice on Sunday morning, reminding recreational and commercial drone operators that flying Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) within five nautical miles of any active wildland fire is a federal offense.

Regulatory Enforcement and Aviation Hazards

The directive follows multiple incidents where unauthorized consumer drone incursions forced provincial wildfire management agencies to temporarily ground Canadair CL-415 water bombers and bird-dog lead planes over active fires in British Columbia and Alberta. Under Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Section 601.15, all airspace within a five-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level of an active forest fire is restricted airspace.

Transport Canada clarified that individuals operating drones within fire exclusion zones face immediate summary fines of up to $25,000, aircraft seizure, and potential criminal prosecution under the Aeronautics Act.

"When a drone enters wildfire airspace, our firefighting aircraft are grounded immediately to prevent mid-air collisions," Transport Canada aviation safety officials said in Ottawa. "Delaying water drops puts wildland firefighters and communities at grave risk."

Coordination with Law Enforcement

Transport Canada has authorized regional RCMP detachments and municipal police services to utilize portable radio-frequency drone detection scanners to pinpoint pilot ground locations and issue immediate court appearance notices.

Provincial wildfire services urged the public to report unauthorized drone sightings near fire perimeters directly to local emergency dispatchers.

Public Awareness Campaign

Transport Canada launched digital public safety announcements across social platforms reminding outdoor recreationists to keep drones grounded during wildfire season.