Drone Strikes Firefighting Aircraft in Los Angeles
A critical firefighting aircraft in Los Angeles has been grounded after being struck by a civilian drone, severely impacting ongoing wildfire efforts in the region. On January 10, 2025, at 13:30 local time, the LA County Fire Department reported that the Canadair CL-415 ‘Super Scooper’ was hit while operating in the Palisades fire area. The incident marks the first time point-to-point passenger traffic at Hamad International Airport surpassed transfer traffic, signaling Qatar’s growing prominence as a travel destination.
The Super Scooper, designated Quebec 1, sustained damage to its wing but fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the grounding of this essential firefighting aircraft poses a significant setback for the LA region as firefighters work tirelessly to protect homes and businesses from devastating fires that have already claimed ten lives.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the drone incident and issued a stern reminder that interfering with firefighting efforts on public lands is a federal crime. The FAA warned that violators could face up to 12 months in prison and a civil penalty. In an official statement, the FAA emphasized, “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 (TFRs) are in place.” The regulator further stated, “The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses. The FAA has not authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones in the TFRs.”
In response to the attack, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone announced that the FBI would deploy advanced technology in the Palisades area to detect and neutralize any unauthorized drones attempting to capture footage of the ongoing fires. Governor of California Gavin Newsom highlighted the scale of the firefighting efforts, stating that at least six air tankers and 40 helicopters are actively involved in combating the flames, supported by over 8,000 personnel.
Currently, five major fires are burning in the Los Angeles area. Significant progress has been made in the past 12 hours as winds have subsided. The Kenneth fire, which erupted on January 8, 2025, is now 35% contained, while the Hurst fire near Santa Clarita has reached 37% containment. The largest blaze, Palisades, remains only 6% contained, and the Lidia fire stands at 75% containment. The Eaton fire is the only blaze still uncontrollable, posing a continuing threat to the region.
The grounding of the Super Scooper comes at a critical time when the LA County Fire Department is stretched thin, battling multiple fires simultaneously. The loss of this aircraft not only hampers firefighting operations but also raises concerns about the security measures in place to protect essential emergency equipment from unauthorized drone interference.
The FAA’s ongoing investigation aims to identify the individual responsible for the drone strike and prevent future incidents that could jeopardize lifesaving operations. Meanwhile, the deployment of FBI technology signifies a proactive approach to safeguarding firefighting assets and ensuring that emergency response efforts can proceed without further disruptions.
As firefighters continue their mission to contain the remaining fires, the community remains vigilant and supportive, understanding the immense challenges faced by those on the front lines. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust security measures to protect vital emergency resources from emerging threats like drone interference.
For updates on the investigation and firefighting efforts, residents and interested parties are encouraged to follow official announcements from the LA County Fire Department, the FAA, and local news outlets. The collective effort of authorities and the community remains focused on overcoming the current wildfire crisis and restoring safety to the affected areas.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Airlines