FBI investigates drone that collided with aircraft fighting LA wildfires

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is searching for the owner of an unauthorized drone that collided with a firefighting aircraft in Los Angeles last week. A water bomber, nicknamed "Super Scooper," sustained damage to its wing and was grounded on Thursday after the collision with a civilian drone. The aircraft, officially designated CL-415, is known for its visual impact and precision when dropping seawater on specific fire zones.

No injuries were reported in the incident, and the aircraft is expected to be back in service this week. FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller stated that the drone violated temporary flight restrictions put in place by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “While we have been doing a lot of investigation with our partners, we are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the operator of this drone,” Ms. Eimiller said in an interview with CBS News.

California officials have stated that there have been approximately 40 incidents to date of unauthorized drones preventing firefighters from continuing aerial operations. Since the start of the wildfires last Monday, at least 24 people have died, and approximately 150,000 people in Los Angeles County remain under evacuation orders. Officials at the state, federal, and local levels have all emphasized the dangers of flying drones near wildfires.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that he is working with federal partners to make it easier to identify unauthorized drone operators within fire zones. "The most important thing to know is that if you're flying a drone in these brush fires, all aerial operations are going to shut down, and we certainly don't want that to happen," he stated. The FAA is also investigating the incident, stating that flying drones near wildfires is dangerous, can lead to loss of life, and delays firefighting efforts.

The FAA said in a statement that "interfering with wildfire suppression efforts on public lands is a federal crime that carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail." "The FAA takes these violations very seriously and is immediately considering expedited enforcement action for these violations." Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman echoed the FAA’s position on drone users operating within temporary flight restriction areas. "You will be arrested, you will be prosecuted, and you will be punished to the fullest extent of the law," the District Attorney said.

Ahead of Australia’s bushfire season, Australia’s aviation regulator has warned pilots and drone operators to stay at least 5 nautical miles away from any fire boundaries. Civil Aviation Safety Authority chief executive Pip Spence said keeping clear of bushfire zones means the skies are clearer for firefighting aircraft to do their job. "Please remember – if you fly, they can’t – so think twice this fire season so that firefighting aircraft can do their part to protect local communities from bushfires," Ms. Spence said in a statement. "This also includes keeping your drone on the ground. Drones are small, hard to see and pose a threat to aircraft and helicopters." "In an emergency, you should follow the advice of your local fire authority."