Kelowna man convicted of flying drone near McDougall Creek wildfire

A Kelowna man has been convicted of interfering with wildfire suppression efforts after flying a drone near active firefighting operations during the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire.

Court heard Derek Leippi was operating the drone from a boat on Okanagan Lake on Aug. 27, 2023, about 10 days after the fire destroyed Okanagan Lake Resort. At the time, a helicopter equipped with a water bucket was actively drawing water from the lake to support suppression efforts in the area.

The judge found the drone disrupted the operation, diverting the pilot’s attention and delaying firefighting efforts. The ruling concluded the interference posed a safety risk and prevented the helicopter from continuing its work.

Leippi is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Feb. 24 and faces a maximum penalty of up to $100,000 or one year in jail under the Wildfire Act.

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