Infrared drone scans scheduled for Cedarside area



VALEMOUNT – The BC Wildfire Service will be conducting infrared drone scanning of wildfire G32044, located in the Cedarside area, in the coming days. All scans are scheduled to take place during overnight periods and the area covered will be the fire area, including several hundred metres outside of the perimeter which will be overhead of private residences.

Scanning in the Cedarside area is anticipated to begin in the overnight hours on Friday, August 16, 2024. Residents can be assured the scan is only to identify any unknown fire hot spots and only for the purpose of ensuring that the fire is completely extinguished. Additional fires throughout the Robson Valley zone will also be scanned over the next week; however, the only fire adjacent to homes is G32044.

The BC Wildfire Service utilizes a number of methods in wildfire suppression, including the use of infrared drone scanning. These are an effective method to detect hotspots (new or remaining) on wildfires that provide an alternative to using helicopters performing similar scans and manual ground patrols by personnel, particularly in areas that may be more difficult to access.

It is important to note that the operation of any aircraft, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), not associated with wildfire suppression activities in the area near a wildfire is illegal. More information on drones and UAVs, including Transport Canada regulations, is available online.

Any questions from public or media should be directed to the fire information team at the Prince George Fire Centre.

The public remains one of our greatest resources when it comes to reporting wildfires. Approximately 40 per cent of wildfires are reported by members of the public.

There are a number of ways to report:

  • Call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free
  • Call *5555 from a cell phone
  • Submit directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app

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Contact:

Prince George Fire Information Team

BC Wildfire Service| Ministry of Forests

250-561-4629

INFOPG@gov.bc.ca Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect