Plane Scooping Water From Ocean to Fight Wildfires Grounded After Hitting Drone Illegally Flying Over Pacific Palisades

A drone that was being illegally flown damaged and grounded a Super Scooper plane that was leased to help fight the damaging wildfires in Los Angeles.

Officials said the drone collided with the plane and left a fist-sized hole in its wing, which needed repair. Drones are not allowed to fly during firefighting efforts, and the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

Two Super Scoopers were leased from Canada to help fight the tremendously damaging wildfires in Pacific Palisades and elsewhere in Southern California.

As of Friday morning, the Palisades wildfire had burned through more than 20,000 acres and destroyed more than 5,000 homes and businesses. Only 8% of the fire has been contained, but winds are dying down. . .

Persons convicted of flying a drone during firefighting can face a prison sentence of up to one year. The FAA said that anyone who interferes with firefighting efforts can also be fined up to $75,000. (Read more from “Plane Scooping Water From Ocean to Fight Wildfires Grounded After Hitting Drone Illegally Flying Over Pacific Palisades” HERE)

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