Firefighting Aircraft Grounded in Southern California After Drone Strike

The Bombardier Canadair CL-415 "Super Scooper" was able to land after it was hit by the drone around 1 p.m. PST. However, a hole in its wing rendered it unairworthy, Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed in a post on X. 

"Quebec 1 sustained wing damage and remains grounded and out of service," the department said. "There were no reported injuries."

According to Bombardier, the amphibious aircraft has four water tanks, giving the aircraft a capacity to hold 6,137 liters or roughly 1,622 gallons. It can be refilled in 12 seconds by skimming over water.

The FAA is investigating the event. According to the agency, flying a civilian drone in the midst of a firefighting event is a federal crime and punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.

"Flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can cost lives,” the agency said. “When people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies often ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision. Your photos and video footage of the wildfires are not worth the lives and crucial operations they jeopardize. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) says it best: ‘If you fly, we can’t.’"

Firefighting aircraft fly a few hundred feet above the ground, which is the same altitude as drones.

The FAA has implemented several temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in the Greater Los Angeles area of Southern California to protect firefighting aircraft. The aerial response was delayed on the first day of the wildfires by strong winds that made it too dangerous to fly. 

As of Friday morning, fire officials confirmed that at least 10 people had been killed by the fires. The number was expected to rise.

A state of emergency is in effect for both the city and county of Los Angeles, and schools have been closed because of poor air quality.

According to Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, the Palisades Fire has burned more than 20,000 acres and destroyed or damaged more than 5,316 structures.