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Water-dropping Super Scooper aircraft set to return to service after colliding with a civilian drone
A Super Scooper plane drops water on the Palisades Fire on Jan. 7, 2025.
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Brian van der Brug
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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A water-dropping Super Scooper aircraft sent from Canada to battle fires ravaging the L.A. area that was grounded after colliding with a civilian drone on Thursday could be back in service by Tuesday, officials said.
L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Monday that the drone was repaired and they are awaiting FAA approval.
The collision took the aircraft, which was being used to fight the deadly Palisades Fire, out of commission to repair a fist-sized hole in its wing at a time when firefighters are struggling to increase containment. No injuries were reported. The Super Scooper that was damaged was one of two such planes aiding in firefighting efforts.
As of Thursday night, firefighters had managed to contain the nearly 20,000-acre fire by 14%. The fire has so far destroyed or damaged more than 5,000 structures and killed at least eight people.
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L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday morning that there were two specific drone incidents that have resulted in three arrests.
On Monday, the FBI also announced they were looking for information on the drone pilot. If anyone has any information, they can contact federal investigators here.
Federal investigators say they have recovered parts of the drone.
Why you shouldn’t fly a drone during a firefight
Flying a drone during a firefight is a federal offense and can land you in prison for up to a year. Violators could also be hit with a $75,000 fine if they interfere with firefighting efforts or law enforcement responses, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
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The high court decision gives a lower court time to consider a more lasting pause. -
Some Democratic members of Congress are raising legal concerns about the new technologies and are asking questions of ICE that are going unanswered. -
Delays and disruptions have already hit airports across the country as a result of escalating staffing shortages. New flight restrictions add another layer of uncertainty and stress for travelers.
“The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses,” the agency said in a statement. “The FAA has not authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones in the [temporary flight restriction areas].”
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According to the U.S. Forest Service, since firefighting planes fly low — just like drones — it increases the chances of mid-air collision or could distract a pilot. Collisions can lead to breaks in communication links and cause serious injuries to first responders and civilians, in addition to hindering firefighting efforts.
"The most important thing to know is that if you fly a drone at one of these brush fires, all aerial operations will be shut down," said L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. "And we certainly don't want to have that happen."
Also on Thursday, NPR member station KCLU reported that the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station at Port Hueneme will send two of its C-130 transports to the region for water and firefighting chemical drops. Officials say six more planes from other bases are also coming to Ventura County to aid in the firefighting effort.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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