Emergency officials echo drone/ laser warnings in emergency situations

Emergency officials in Merritt and surrounding are echoing warnings made last week with regards to the use of drones and high-powered lasers in dangerous situations.

Last week,  Okanagan RCMP reported that on multiple occasions last year, these apparatus created dangerous situations for planes operating in and out of Kelowna International Airport on multiple occasions last year.

RCMP say there were five cases of remotely piloted drones flying into restricted airspace in 2025, while 21 cases of laser strikes were reported.

Merritt Fire Rescue has also had it’s issues with drones over the past few years. Merritt Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson said that on more than one occasion, drones became a problem during an emergency.

“During a hog fuel fire incident, suppression efforts were highly dependent on BC Wildfire Service air support, including both helicopters and air tankers, Tomkinson told Q101 News. “The presence of an unauthorized drone in the operational airspace posed a significant risk and had the potential to suspend aerial operations. ”

He added that the drone activity created a serious safety hazard for pilots and the public.

“Any interruption of air support would likely have adversely affected fire suppression effectiveness and overall incident outcomes, Tomkinson added. ” This situation reinforces BC Wildfire Service’s public safety message: “If you’re in the sky, we can’t fly.”

RCMP warn that illegal use of either devices may result in fines up to five-thousand-dollars, in addition to possible criminal charges in severe or deliberate cases.