Latest news with #drone
CTV News
2 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Drone flown ‘dangerously close' to rescue helicopter in Squamish
Search and rescue volunteers in Squamish say a drone came close to interfering with their efforts to get an injured hiker to safety on May 31, 2025. (Image credit: Facebook/ssarteam) Squamish Search and Rescue is reminding people that flying drones in provincial parks is prohibited, after a close call during a rescue this weekend. Volunteers were called to First Peak in Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Saturday to assist an injured hiker, according to a social media post. 'Given the steep terrain, several members were flown in with the support of Blackcomb Helicopters, and the subject was long line evacuated,' the Facebook post said. 'During the rescue, a drone was flown dangerously close to our team and the helicopter—between loads. It only moved after being signaled to leave the area.' The province only allows drones to be operated in its parks with explicit permission – which is rarely granted. 'Drone use causes noise pollution, disturbs wildlife, and can invade the privacy of other park users. It may also disrupt emergency activities, putting wildlife, park visitors, and B.C. Parks staff at significant additional risk,' according to the BC Parks website. 'Operating drones without permission is strictly illegal in all BC Parks. We appreciate drones may be useful in resource management and scientific studies, but we rarely grant permission for drone use.' Operating a drone is also illegal in national parks and near active wildfires. Flying a drone in a restricted area can result in a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 18 months in jail. People who fly drones in a manner that interferes with wildfire fighting efforts in B.C. can face fines of up to $100,000.
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Health
- Arab News
Firefighting and rescue drone to be used during Hajj for first time
RIYADH: A firefighting drone called 'Falcon' will be deployed during this year's Hajj for the first time, the General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense announced on Sunday. The drone, enhanced with artificial intelligence, is specifically designed for firefighting and rescue operations in high-altitude or otherwise challenging-to-access locations, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It boasts an operational flight time of up to 12 hours at high altitudes and can carry a payload of approximately 40 kilograms, SPA added. It is equipped with a versatile multi-purpose firefighting system, along with integrated rescue, control, and safety systems. Its capabilities include thermal cameras and the ability to broadcast live footage from the site, which can be directly linked to the command and control center. The drone offers diverse applications for high-rise buildings, industrial sites, areas containing hazardous materials, crowded environments, and forest fires. Its key advantages include rapid response speed, reduced risk to personnel, and enhanced decision-making capabilities through real-time imaging, SPA said. Director General of Civil Defense, Major General Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, made the announcement at the Press Conference of the Hajj Security Forces emphasized the importance of preventive measures through pre-inspection tours of pilgrims' residences, conducting safety patrols, and implementing a number of joint scenarios and exercises with the relevant authorities a the holy sites. These efforts aim to enhance coordination and optimal response to emergency situations, with support from rapid intervention teams deployed around the clock, he said. Meanwhile, the Director of Public Security Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami said 269,678 non-residents of Makkah without permits were stopped from entering the holy city, 252 fake Hajj campaigns were apprehended, 1,239 people transporting others in violation of Hajj regulations were arrested, and 109,632 vehicles violating Hajj rules were sent back.
LBCI
2 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Israeli drone strike targets Deir al-Zahrani in South Lebanon, killing one
An Israeli drone carried out an airstrike early Saturday morning in the town of Deir al-Zahrani, killing a young man identified as M.A.J., according to the National News Agency. J. (33) was on his way from home at dawn, as he did every day, to perform morning prayers at the mosque in his hometown when the drone targeted his Kia vehicle on the road adjacent to the Deir al-Zahrani–Nabatieh highway near the pedestrian bridge. He was killed instantly. He was the brother of a fighter who was killed in clashes with Israel in the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif during the 66-day war. The strike was preceded by Israeli Apache helicopters flying deep into the area's airspace.
Times
2 days ago
- General
- Times
Prison guard stabbed with knife that was ‘flown in by a drone'
A prison guard has been stabbed by an inmate with a knife believed to have been flown into the jail by a drone. Police are investigating after the prison officer was attacked at Long Lartin, a category A prison in Evesham, Worcestershire, which houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. These include Thomas Cashman, who murdered nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool in 2022, and Vincent Tabak, who killed Joanna Yeates in Bristol in 2010. The officer was airlifted to hospital after the attack, which happened on Friday morning. The guard has undergone emergency surgery, according to the BBC. On Friday night a Prison Service spokesman said that the officer is still in hospital receiving treatment but in a stable condition. A source with knowledge of the prison told MailOnline that the attacker used a flick-knife that was flown into the jail by a drone. The Prison Service was unable to confirm how the knife got into the prison but said that this was a line of inquiry in the police investigation. The attack has renewed calls for the government to allow prison officers to wear stab-proof vests. A 'rapid review' ordered by Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, is ongoing but is expected to be given the go-ahead next week. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, warned in January that drones were smuggling drugs and weapons into Long Lartin so frequently that it was posing a threat to national security. He accused the police and Prison Service of ceding control of the airspace above the prison. The watchdog said the jail had a 'thriving' drugs market and CCTV had been allowed to fall into disrepair. It is the latest attack to unfold inside Britain's highest security jails within the last two months and has prompted concern over growing levels of violence. Last month the Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi attacked three prison officers with boiling cooking oil and makeshift knives from within a terrorist separation centre in Frankland prison in Co Durham. A day later a prisoner killed a convicted murderer at Whitemoor prison in Cambridgeshire. Earlier this week two prison officers at the same jail were taken to hospital after two separate attacks. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said the attack at Long Lartin exposed the urgent need to give prison officers stab proof vests. He said: 'Our brave prison officers are lions led by donkeys. The government's shameful refusal to equip them immediately with stab vests is risking lives. It's a disgrace. They must have the protection and powers they need to crack down on these vile offenders. 'How many more officers need to be stabbed before the Ministry of Justice finally gives them stab vests and crackdowns on drones delivering weapons?' A Prison Service spokesman said: 'Police are investigating an attack on a prison officer at HMP Long Lartin. We will not tolerate assaults on hard-working staff and will always push for the strongest punishments against perpetrators.'
BBC News
2 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Colchester fire near Mersea Road creates 'challenging conditions'
Firefighters battled "challenging conditions" after flames spread over a Essex fire service said it received more than 45 calls about the blaze as smoke could be seen across crews attended the scene in Mersea Road at 15:21 BST and used a drone to plan their manager Dan Wastell said they did a "great job" to get the fire under control, with an investigation into its cause to follow. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
