Quebec plane fighting L.A. fires grounded after being struck by drone
Federal Aviation Administration investigating drone incident that left plane with hole in its wing
Quebec Water Bomber Grounded After Collision with Drone in Los Angeles
A Quebec water bomber assisting in the fight against the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles was grounded on Thursday after colliding with a drone operating in restricted airspace, authorities reported.
The aircraft, named Quebec 1, suffered damage to its wing during the collision at around 1 p.m. local time. According to a statement from the L.A. County Fire Department, the plane sustained significant wing damage and is currently out of service. Images released by the department show a visible hole in the aircraft's wing.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, noting that no authorization was granted for drone flights in the area unrelated to firefighting operations.
"It is a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands," stated the FAA. The agency added that drone operators who disrupt wildfire suppression efforts could also face civil penalties of up to $75,000.
Support from Quebec
Two firefighting planes from Quebec, operated by SOPFEU, have been involved in tackling the wildfires since Tuesday. The aircraft in question, Canadian-made CL-415 water bombers, are deployed annually to California under a long-standing agreement that began in 1994. The contract typically starts in September and runs for 90 to 180 days.
Devastation in Los Angeles
The fires in Los Angeles have caused extensive destruction, claiming at least 10 lives and razing entire neighborhoods. Since the blazes began on Tuesday, more than 10,000 homes and structures have been destroyed, and large portions of the scenic Pacific Palisades have been reduced to ash and rubble.
SOPFEU has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
