[Above photo courtesy of L.A. County Fire Dept.]

10 January 2025

The FAA reported yesterday it is investigating an unauthorized drone that crashed into the wing of an L.A. County Super Scooper firefighting aircraft over the Palisades fire.

Happily, the fire department aircraft was able to land safely.

"Aerial looky-loos" seeking to capture stunning footage of the Los Angeles fires are dangerously impeding the efforts of firefighters and other first responders. The FAA has issued the following reminder: “It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands. Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response operations."

Sadly, someone has already caused an incident over the Palisades fire, damaging and grounding the aforementioned Super Scooper when it is obviously needed to bring the fight to the fires.