An unauthorized drone collided with a water-bombing aircraft fighting wildfires in Los Angeles, prompting an FBI investigation. Authorities are now seeking public assistance in identifying the drone operator responsible for the incident, which caused damage to the aircraft’s wing and temporarily grounded it. The plane, a CL-415 known as a “Super Scooper” for its ability to drop massive amounts of water with precision, is expected to be operational again this week.
This collision marks a significant safety breach, as temporary flight restrictions were in place to protect firefighting operations. Laura Eimiller, an FBI spokesperson, emphasized that flying drones in restricted airspace is not only illegal but also endangers lives by forcing aerial firefighting efforts to halt.
Increasing Risks and Rising Consequences
California officials report approximately 40 incidents involving unauthorized drones interfering with wildfire air operations since last week alone. Such disruptions delay critical water drops, increasing the danger to both firefighters and nearby communities. At least 24 people have died, and 150,000 residents remain under evacuation orders as the wildfires continue to rage.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned drone operators of the severe consequences of flying near fires, stating, “If you fly a drone at one of these brush fires, all aerial operations will be shut down, and we certainly don’t want that to happen.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) echoed these concerns, noting that flying drones near wildfires is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison. The FAA reiterated that swift enforcement action would be taken against violators, and unauthorized drone flights in temporary flight restriction zones would not be tolerated.
How AirSight Can Help
Incidents like this underscore the need for advanced drone detection and operator identification systems. AirSight’s technology provides real-time tracking of both drone trajectory and pilot location, enabling faster, more efficient investigations. Unlike conventional detection systems, AirSight’s platform not only assesses the severity of a drone’s threat but also pinpoints the operator’s position, empowering authorities to respond immediately. Had such a system been deployed during the LA wildfires, the risk to life and property could have been minimized, allowing uninterrupted firefighting efforts.
As drone incidents become increasingly common, organizations can reduce liability and enhance safety with proactive detection solutions like AirSight’s. Staying ahead of drone-related threats is critical to protecting lives and critical operations. Contact our team to get an in-depth demo of our solution!