The BC Wildfire Service says one of its firefighting aircraft has been struck by a civilian drone that was being illegally flown in restricted airspace.

It says the incident involved a bird dog plane that directs airtankers and other aircraft, and occurred during operations against a blaze in the Cariboo Fire Centre.

The service says such interference with its operations “poses significant risk” and anyone found flying drones in restricted areas faces penalties of up to $100,000 and up to one year in jail.

It did not say if the bird dog was damaged or if a culprit had been identified.

The service says unauthorized drones including the smallest models weighing less than 250 grams are banned within five nautical miles, or 9.3 kilometres, and 3,000 feet above active wildfires.

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