Airspace closed around Chilcotin River landslide

WILLIAMS LAKE — Authorities implemented a no-fly zone around the Chilcotin River landslide Friday (Aug. 2). A social media post from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), says a NOTAM has been put in place over the landslide. The NOTAM restricts airspace in an eight-kilometre radius.

A NOTAM is a notice to airmen meant to provide pilots with information about the current conditions of airspace.

The BCWS says the operation of any aircraft not associated with landslide response, including all unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), is illegal.

The social media post goes on to state “In the interest of air crew and public safety, we are asking the public to stay clear of this area both on the ground and in the air. This type of activity is extremely dangerous and poses a significant safety risk to personnel, especially when low-flying aircraft are present.”

Anyone who is caught operating a drone within the restricted area faces the threat of fines and other penalties.

The latest update from the Ministry of Emergency Management Friday evening continues to advise residents in the Evacuation Zone to leave immediately. Earlier today government officials asked all British Columbians to stay off the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers over the holiday weekend.