The mayor of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality says people using drones in Fort Nelson are endangering helicopter pilots fighting wildfires near the evacuated community.
Rob Fraser says he would take out a drone with a shotgun if he was allowed, but says anyone caught using a drone in the wildfire area will be prosecuted.
Fraser says people in the evacuation zone have also caused damage to structural protection hoses by driving over them.
The mayor says the community can't get back up and running until it's safe, and a plan to restart Fort Nelson's essential businesses is the first step before evacuated residents are allowed to return.
Emergency Support Services
Emergency Support Services will be extended for another 7 days starting Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Reception Centre Hours for Tuesday May 21:
- Fort St. John - North Peace Arena (9805 96 Avenue) | 9 am to 7 pm
- Dawson Creek - Sudeten Hall (1901 Alaska Hwy) | 10 am to 4 pm
- Chetwynd - City Hall (5400 Hospital Road) | Hours TBA
- Prince George - PG Exhibition Grounds (41 Keller St) | 10 am to 4:30 pm
Mayor Rob Fraser gave an update on the fire last night on his social media page.
Information provided by the Canadian Press/Northern Rockies.ca