Stern warning issued after civilian drone grounds air tanker fighting LA fires
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The plane is likely to be out of action until Monday. The Los Angeles County district attorney has issued a stern warning after a civilian drone grounded a water tanker as firefighters battled a Los Angeles area fire this week. The incident occurrred Thursday afternoon when the aircraft hit the drone as it operated over the Palisdades Fire, according to officials.
A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson said the Canadian plane, Quebec 1, sustained wing damage and remains grounded and is out of service. It’s only one of two super scoopers being operated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. An image of the damage shows a large hole in aircraft’s wing.
The plane is likely to be out of operation until Monday. No injuries were reported as a result of the collision. Ten people have died in the Los Angeles wildfires since they ignited earlier this month. The FAA is investigating the incident. Flying a drone during firefighting efforts is a federal crime and is punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman vowed to go after drone lawbreakers. “If you’re thinking that it’s fine to send a drone up in the area for your own amusement, or you want to get information that nobody else can get, and you do it in one of these areas that for which drones are not permitted … you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished to the full extent of the law,” Hochman said.
