Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
(
Brian van der Brug
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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.
“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].”
Support for LAist comes from
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.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The critical findings are part of long-awaited after-action report was released Thursday. It contains recommendations for increasing emergency staffing and updating old systems. -
Diving has changed, mountain biking has been added. Here's where to watch the Olympics in person in 2028. -
'A Great Day in the Stoke' is a free, daylong event in Orange County billed as 'the largest gathering of Black surfers in history.' The fourth annual festival is set for Saturday in Huntington Beach. -
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility.
Best of LAist