As forest fires continue to rage in northwestern Ontario, Jenny and Kevin VanderHooft try to save their resort. But the actions they take to do so can result in thousands of dollars in losses.
Jenny told Global News that she had been threatened by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) with a fine for flying her drone to record video of the approaching fire, as well as returning to her property while evacuation orders were in place.
The VanderHoofts own Open Bay Lodge, a resort located in Upsala, Ontario, about 100 kilometers west of Thunder Bay. The couple said they first saw smoke in the distance on the evening of July 12 and reported the fire to MNR.
Their cottage burned down two days later.
When the VanderHoofts returned on July 17 while evacuation orders were still in effect, they witnessed what Kevin called “total devastation.”
“The power lines in our yard were down. Everything was on fire. The house was gone,” he said, but added that seven of their eight cabins were still standing.
The couple used a five-gallon bucket and a trash can to put out the still-smoldering fire.
“It took us nine hours. Just the two of us. No food, no water, no nothing. We just did it,” Kevin said.
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Unsure of what to expect, Jenny told Global News she launched her drone to see if another fire was on the way.
That decision could now subject him to hefty fines.
On Saturday, MNR said in a post on social media that it was aware of drone footage taken inside the perimeter of Fort Frances 14. It stated that the video, taken by the drone and posted online, violated Canadian Aviation Regulations.
The investigation into the VanderHooft family situation “remains active,” according to a ministry statement to Global News.
“Therefore, the ministry cannot comment on the specific circumstances of this case at this time,” a spokesperson said.
Flying a drone within 9.3 kilometers of a forest fire is illegal, according to Transport Canada.
“Unauthorized drones pose a serious risk of collisions with firefighting aircraft, forcing crews to halt their operations and endangering lives when every minute counts,” the agency said in a media release in early July.
Administrative monetary sanctions may be imposed on people found operating drones in these restricted areas, Transport Canada said. Fines can reach a maximum of $5,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations.
“Several penalties may apply if more than one violation occurs,” the Ministry of Natural Resources said.
The VanderHooft family told Global News they may face fines for other reasons.
Kevin said they were approached by MNR officers on the highway, blocking the road back to the lodge. He said he was told he could be fined more than $800 if he chose to return.
“Unauthorized entry into an area subject to an evacuation order may result in enforcement action, including fees and fines, depending on the circumstances and applicable laws,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources told Global News.
The couple decided to return anyway, saying the $800 fine was worth their efforts to save $800,000 in infrastructure.
“I know they have a job to do for safety. They don’t want anyone there. I understand, and I try as hard as I can, but some days I just can’t stay away,” Kevin said.
Fort Frances 14 is the forest fire closest to Upsala and is currently more than 51,000 hectares in size and uncontained, according to data from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The evacuation order is still in effect.
More than a dozen communities and territories were forced to evacuate over the past week, including 11 First Nations.
The VanderHooft family told Global News they will absorb the fine if they are charged, but their main focus is rebuilding their inn.
“We have to do it,” said Jenny. “Our customers are very loyal and devoted to us, and they are like family.”
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