Drones reportedly spotted near 2 large B.C. wildfires

British Columbia wildfire officials arereminding the public that flying drones near fires can be dangerousand costly.

Fire information officer Amanda Reynolds said the BC WildfireService received two reports of unmanned aerial vehicles nearwildfires on Friday.

She says crews saw some people getting ready to launch a dronenear theBeattonAirport Roadfire, burning 45 kilometres north ofFort St. John, but when they were approached, the people got intheir vehicle and drove away.

Crews also received a report about a drone flying above theAlberta portion of theSiphon Creekfire, which B.C. crews arecontinuing to fight in a bid to relieve pressure on their Albertacounterparts.

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An unauthorized drone flying near theTestalindenCreek fire nearOliver, B.C., last Augustgrounded eight helicopters and five planesfor more than three hours, hamperingfirefightingefforts.

Federal regulations ban the use of drones near wildfires, andviolators can face penalties of up to $25,000 and 18 months in jail.

Flames from both the Beatton Airport Road fire and the SiphonCreek fire have forced people to flee their homes, while others areprepared to leave at a moment's notice.

Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman has assured residents that thecity is ready if a fire does encroach.

Gas tanks full, go-bags ready

"Our staff have set up an emergency operations centre and areception centre. We have a plan in place and we don't need ityet," she said in a video posted to the Fort St. John Facebook pageFriday night.

She encouraged residents to keep their gas tanks full and go-bagsready.

"Stay safe. Stay informed. We've got your back," Ackerman said.

Scattered showers in the region may provide some relief for crewsfighting the blazes.

Reynolds said rain fell Saturday on both the Beatton Airport Roadfire and the Siphon Creek fire, both of which are burning north ofFort St. John.

"We are having some windy conditions and winds are never goodfor fire suppression. But there is rain right now," she said.