Realtor Fined for Drone Interference During Wildfire

0:00It's March 26th. Welcome to Vancouver News today, powered by AI. A Kelowna Realtor has received a $5,000 fine after a court found him guilty of interfering with firefighting efforts. Derek Lippie flew his drone over Okanagan Lake during the massive McDougal Creek wildfire in August 2023. He was sentenced this week in provincial court following a guilty verdict last month. The fire destroyed more than 300 structures on the west side of the lake, forcing 35,000 people to evacuate. Lippie took his boat onto the water and launched the drone to film a resort that burned down. Conservation officers were patrolling to keep people away from the shore while helicopters dropped water from above. Meanwhile, a helicopter pilot noticed the drone flying low and tried dropping water on its twice to drive it away. That caught the officer's attention and they returned to seize the drone, its controller, and Lippie's cell phone. He had been told to leave the area earlier but kept flying anyway. Executors pushed for $15,000 fine, with possible penalties of $100,000, a year in jail,

1:06or even millions in, fire suppression costs. Lippie expressed remorse in court and had called it a big mistake before. This case highlights the dangers of drones near active wildfires, reminding everyone to stay clear so crews can focus on saving lives and property.