A Kelowna realtor has been fined $5,000 for interfering with firefighting operations while flying a drone over a wildfire zone in 2023.
Derek Leippi was found guilty under section 56.2D of the BC Wildfire Act for interfering with helicopter actioning the McDougall Creek wildfire near Lake Okanagan Resort.
On Aug. 27, 2023, Leippi was in his boat on Okanagan Lake and taking video with a miniature drone of the damage at the resort.
Justice Heinrich imposed the fine on Mar. 23, stating the Leippi did not intend to benefit financially from the use of his drone and called the interference with the helicopter “minimal”.
Heinrich added that she found Leippi to be polite and respectful during the trial, and he has no prior offences.
Leippi has one year to pay the $5,000 fine. Heinrich accepted Leippi’s apology before the court and stated that no public apology is required.