Crews battling Brunswick Complex fires take advantage of weekend weather

“As a result, all aerial firefighting operations had to be temporarily halted until the airspace could be confirmed safe. This has the potential to jeopardize our operations working to protection homes and other values,” said the BCWS.

“Under federal aviation regulations, all wildfires are automatically considered flight-restricted areas. Within five nautical miles of a wildfire and up to 3,000 feet above ground level, only aircraft directly involved in wildfire response are permitted to operate. This includes restrictions on drones of any size.”

Operating a drone in restricted airspace, such as wildfire zones, can come with steep consequences.

“Operating a drone near a wildfire can result in fines of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 18 months. Intentionally interfering with wildfire suppression efforts may also result in penalties under the Wildfire Act, including fines of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment,” said the BCWS.

Drivers speeding and stopping through the fire zone is also posing an impediment on firefighting efforts.

“Upon Highway 1 opening yesterday (July 11), we received multiple reports of drivers speeding, and people pulling off the side of the highway to take photos and videos of our operations,” said the BCWS.

“These activities are putting our responders at great risk and have the potential to interrupt our operations on these wildfires during this critical time.”

Thile Highway 1 is open, there are lane closures and speed reductions in the area. Drivers are also prohibited from stopping in the fire zone. You can see information and updates on Drive BC.

Since breaking out in early July, the Brunswick Creek wildfire has scorched 3,012 hectares, while the Ainslie Creek has burned across 15,847 hectare of forest for a combined total of about 188 square kilometres.

Recently, the Kamloops Fire Centre established an Incident Management Team based in Merritt to coordinate efforts and resources.

The BCWS said they are working to protect other buildings and infrastructure threatened but the blazes, but some structures have been lost to the Ainslie Creek Wildfire.

Evacuation orders and alerts are still in place in the areas around the Brunswick Complex wildfires.

The wildfires are behind the recent air quality advisories in Kamloops and the surrounding areas.

by Elora McCormack

Crews battling Brunswick Complex fires take advantage of weekend weather

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