The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday that a firefighter flying over the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles collided with a drone, saying flying drones could interfere with firefighting efforts and endanger lives. I warned you.
After the crash, the plane landed safely and the FAA said it would investigate the incident. The collision damaged the wing and put the plane out of flight, Cal Fire spokesman Chris Thomas said.
The fires that broke out in Los Angeles and surrounding areas this week were initially fanned by strong winds that made it impossible for planes to take off safely. As the situation improved, dozens of helicopters and planes joined the fight to quell the fire. Officials said more were arriving Thursday night.
The FAA has imposed temporary flight restrictions in the Los Angeles area while firefighters work to extinguish the fire. The agency announced Thursday that it does not authorize anyone not involved in firefighting operations to fly drones within restricted areas. Despite the restrictions, numerous videos of Southern California fires blamed on drones have been posted on social media this week.
Flight restrictions are often imposed by the FAA during wildfires, and officials have long warned about the threat of drones to firefighting aircraft. If a drone is spotted in the area, authorities often land a firefighting plane.
In September, at least two drone incursions were reported as firefighters were battling the Rhine Fire in Southern California.
