Realtor fined for drone interference during British Columbia wildfire firefighting

In August 2023, a realtor named Derek Leippi faced a fine of $3,645 (or Canadian $5,000) for interfering with firefighting efforts during the McDougall Creek wildfire in British Columbia. On August 27, he used a DJI drone from his boat to capture footage of the damaged Okanagan Lake Resort, which distracted helicopter pilot Brett Mayden while he was collecting water to fight the blaze. Judge Cathie Heinrichs rejected Leippi’s defense of being unaware of the firefighting operation, noting that the wildfire had ravaged over 34,522 acres, forced 35,000 evacuations, and destroyed more than 300 buildings. Although prosecutors sought a $15,000 fine, the judge considered it was Leippi's first offense. His drone, controller, and cellphone were seized by Conservation Service Officers who witnessed the incident.