This comes after NRP warn residents they could be fined for using UAV's over emergency operations
During yesterday's major fire at a Thorold auto parts business on Beaverdams Road, police tweeted the following message: "The operation of UAVs, aka "Drones" is prohibited near emergency operations. Operating over / near bystanders is strictly regulated under @Transport_gc guidelines. May result in up to a $1000 fine."
Drone footage of the fire was then posted onto the Twitter page of two accounts, one an independent source for local news, Niagara 411.
In response to a question from our newsroom, whether the posting of that footage was grounds for an investigation, NRP Constable Phil Gavin responded:
"The use of UAVs aka Drones is strictly regulated by Transport Canada for personal use. It is even more regulated for commercial use. Regulations can include licensing of the operator and UAV, and submitting flight plans. Flying them near emergency operations is prohibited by non-emergency personnel. To my knowledge we have not commenced an investigation regarding the UAV flights last night. The investigation would likely be referred to Transport Canada as the subject matter experts. We would encourage mainstream media to be cautious about the source of UAV footage they receive and are considering using."
Constable Gavin also provided a link to the federal webpage outlining legal requirements when flying drones. The link to that page is here.
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