Los Angeles wildfires: Firefighting aircraft grounded for three days after drone attack

Federal authorities and California police are investigating after a manned drone crashed into the wing of a firefighting aircraft that was delivering water to put out a fire. Raging wildfires across Los Angeles — creating a “fist-sized hole” and causing it to be out of service for days at a critical moment.

A spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration told Fox Digital News that the incident occurred when the aircraft, a Quebec 1 Super Scooper, flew in from Canada to help control the Palisades Fire.

It was one of only two Super Shovel aircraft in use in Southern California at the time.

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A Super Scooper aircraft drops water on the Palisades Fire on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, California. (Brian Vanderbrugg/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

According to reports, a civilian drone flew into its wing around 1pm on Thursday. Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Eric Scott.

“The pilots did not realize they had hit the drone,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone said at a news conference Friday. “Maintenance personnel did not notice the leading edge of the wing until the plane landed at Van Nuys Airport. , there is a fist-sized hole on the inside of the landing light.”

The FAA is investigating, and a spokesperson told Fox News Digital that interfering with firefighters is a federal crime punishable by up to a year in prison and a $75,000 fine.

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On Thursday, January 9, 2025, aircraft brought water from the ocean to extinguish the Palisades Fire in the mountains and prevent it from spreading further. The Palisades Fire ignited two days ago and devastated coastal communities in Los Angeles County. (Sandy Hooper/Imag)

“The FAA takes these violations seriously and is immediately considering expeditious enforcement action for these violations,” the spokesperson said. “The FAA has not authorized anyone not associated with Los Angeles fire operations to fly under TFR (temporary flight operations).” Flying a drone within limits).”

There were no reports of injuries. Cal Fire said the plane was expected to return to the air on Monday.

Authorities are urging civilians not to fly drones near wildfires because they could impede low-flying firefighting aircraft and delay the efforts of emergency responders. Pilot distraction can be fatal.

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Firefighters battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills area of Los Angeles on Thursday, January 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

The longer the delay, the more the fire will spread.

The fire has killed at least 10 people and destroyed more than 10,000 people Home and business. The Palisades Fire, the largest of many burning in Southern California, has burned more than 20,000 acres and was only 8% contained as of Friday morning.