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The deadly wildfires that have obliterated many Los Angeles neighborhoods this week have now killed at least 10 people, destroyed an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 structures, and burned over 36,000 acres.
In one major setback, one of the two “Super Scooper” planes the Los Angeles Fire Department has been using to scoop up water from the ocean to fight the fires has now been grounded for repairs.
The Super Scooper plane was reportedly hit by a drone, resulting in damage to the wing, and will not be back in use until at least Monday. The impact ripped a hole in the wing. The incident happened Thursday afternoon.
Officials have noted it is a federal crime to fly a drone during firefighting efforts.
The two planes are on loan from Canada, and are capable of scooping up to 1,500 gallons of water at a time. CTVNews explained:
Two CL-415 planes are sent annually to California from the Canadian province of Quebec, under a 31-year-old agreement between their respective governments, CNN newsgathering partner CBC reported.
LA Fire Department spokesperson Erik Scott announced around midnight:
Today, January 9, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., while flying in the #PalisadesFire area, #SuperScooper Quebec 1 was struck by a civilian drone that was not assigned to the Palisades fire.
Quebec 1 sustained wing damage and remains grounded and out of service. There were no reported injuries. The incident is under investigation by the #FAA.
We would like to remind everyone that flying a drone in the midst of firefighting efforts is a federal crime and punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000.
— Erik Scott (@PIOErikScott) January 10, 2025
Two super scoopers pick up water from the ocean to attack the Palisades Fire from the air.
They lower to just above the water’s surface and use retractable scoops underneath its fuselage to draw more than 1,000 gallons of water. pic.twitter.com/PM8rDiiLwo
— Cristen Drummond (@CristenDrummond) January 9, 2025
The FAA tells me they are investigating the incident.
It is a federal crime to interfere with firefighting efforts. pic.twitter.com/xiwkZm095D
— Cristen Drummond (@CristenDrummond) January 10, 2025
Fox News reporter voiced his disgust, as he wrote, “LA County Fire says the damaged Super Scooper is being repaired and should be available by “Monday”. One of the biggest assets firefighters have is grounded for 3 days because of a moron flying a drone.”
UPDATE: LA County Fire says the damaged Super Scooper is being repaired and should be available by “Monday”.
One of the biggest assets firefighters have is grounded for 3 days because of a moron flying a drone. https://t.co/gRoMQUpHUr— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 10, 2025
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