Reports from Canadian and Californian firefighting agencies

Canadian Super Scooper Grounded After Drone Collision Over Palisades Fire

Jan 10, 2025, 03:55 AM

Canadian water bombers and helicopters have been deployed to California to assist in combating the devastating wildfires engulfing the Los Angeles area, specifically the Palisades Fire. Two Quebec water bombers, identified as Canadair CL-415 'Super Scoopers,' and helicopters from British Columbia are participating in the firefighting efforts. On January 9, 2025, one of the Super Scooper aircraft was struck by a civilian drone flying illegally in restricted airspace over the Palisades Fire, resulting in visible damage including a hole in the wing and grounding the aircraft. The collision temporarily grounded all aerial firefighting operations, posing a significant risk to efforts against the fast-moving blaze. The aircraft landed safely despite the damage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident and warns that interfering with firefighting efforts on public land is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison. FAA officials reminded drone operators that 'if you fly, emergency responders can't,' emphasizing the danger and illegality of flying drones near wildfires.