The FBI launched a criminal investigation into a drone that hit an aircraft being used to conduct fire suppression operations near Malibu, California, as deadly wildfires rage on.
The FBI is seeking information leading to the identity of the person operating the drone that collided with a “super scooper” airplane that was combatting the Palisades Fire.
The incident happened on January 9th when “an unauthorized drone flying in violation of an FAA temporary flight restriction (TFR) collided with” the firefighting aircraft.
“The collision left a 3 x 6 inch hole in the left wing. Parts of the heavily damaged drone were recovered,” the FBI said.
Authorities were forced to move firefighting aircraft out of the area after the drone collided with the plane. The plane was grounded for several days to be repaired, taking away a key asset for firefighters as the Palisades fire continues to burn. Authorities said that the drones were spotted near the southeastern portion of the fire around 4:40 p.m. on Friday.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement on Thursday warning drone operators of the consequences of interfering with firefighting efforts.
“It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands,” the FAA said. “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 when temporary flight restrictions are in place.”
The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire have burned nearly 40,000 combined acres.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said the number of people his department has arrested in wildfire evacuation areas has risen to 39.
Eleven of those arrests were linked to suspected burglaries in the Eaton Fire area, he said.
“We’re not just looking for burglars and looters committing crimes on the street, but we’re also focused on anybody who’s involved in any kind of scam,” Luna added. “Whether you’re asking for donations for pets or whatever you think you’re doing to make money off of the poor people that involved, we’re telling you, don’t do it. If you think you’re a victim of this, notify us immediately.”
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Who set the fires, how were fires set
winds, electrical, ?? other
Completely stupid. They should have the police or military shoot them down. Those pilots are at risk enough without some idiot flying a drone into them.
Planned hit by drone??
Deter First responders since 9/11