FAA says drone collided with firefighting aircraft flying over Palisades Fire

[BumRushDaShow]

Last edited Fri Jan 10, 2025, 01:11 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: USA Today

Published 12:35 a.m. ET Jan. 10, 2025 | Updated 3:21 a.m. ET Jan. 10, 2025


A firefighting aircraft was grounded on Thursday after it was struck by a drone while flying over the Palisades Fire near the Pacific Coast, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

The incident occurred on the third day of the wildfire, one of five active wildfires across Los Angeles County. The aircraft landed safely and the incident is being investigated by the FAA, the agency said in a statement.

"It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands," according to the agency. "The FAA has not authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones in the (temporary flight restrictions)."

The FAA said it could impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with operations involving wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response while temporary flight restrictions are in place. The agency has implemented several temporary flight restrictions in the Los Angeles region to protect firefighting aircraft.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/01/10/drone-firefighting-aircraft-palisades-fire/77587949007/

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The impacted aircraft was a Canadian "Super Scooper" that is now out of service.

[Think. Again.]

1. Who was operating the drone?

[Bengus81]

3. If it didn't burn up you could get the SD card out of it and probably find out

by watching the video from takeoff

[CrispyQ]

2. Only one year for interfering with wildfire operations?

Hope they at least nail the person for the whole $75K.

[LauraInLA]

4. The hole in the plane's wing will be repaired, but not before Tuesday ;(. When we're expecting more winds.

[Lulu KC]

5. So bad

I read last night that The Daily Mail had one flying around. Paparazzi never sleep.

[PSPS]

6. They can geofence the area.

[riversedge]

7. California fires live updates: If you fly a drone, you'll be prosecuted, DA warns

California fires live updates: If you fly a drone, you'll be prosecuted, DA warns

Thousands of firefighters are battling the sprawling wildfires across LA.



https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/california-fires-live-updates-santa-ana-winds-rage/?id=117541907&cid=social_twitter_abcn


ByJon Haworth, Emily Shapiro, and Nadine El-Bawab
Last Updated: January 10, 2025, 1:47 PM CST

At least 10 people are believed to be dead -- with the Los Angeles County sheriff saying he expects that number to rise -- as devastating fires spread across Southern California amid dry and windy conditions, leaving officials scrambling to contain the historic destruction.

Thousands of firefighters are battling at least five sprawling wildfires spread around the LA area. The largest, the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, has scorched over 20,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and is 8% contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 13,000 acres and 0% contained. More than 150,000 people are under evacuation orders.

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The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said they have made 18 arrests so far regarding criminal activity in connection with the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Charges include looting, burglary, identity theft, possession of burglary tools and possession of narcotics, Assistant Sheriff Myron Johnson said during a briefing Friday...................

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