Amidst the raging wildfires in Southern California, authorities are grappling with a new challenge: drones. Three individuals were recently arrested in connection with two separate drone incidents that interfered with firefighting operations, including one involving a Canadian Super Scooper aircraft. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stressed the importance of staying away from evacuation zones unless authorized, emphasizing the disruption these unauthorized drones cause to first responders.
The damaged Super Scooper, a crucial firefighting aircraft borrowed from Quebec, suffered a "fist-sized hole" after colliding with a drone last week, grounding it for several days. The FBI is actively investigating to identify the drone operator and has reported numerous other instances of drone interference, issuing warnings and fines. The Super Scooper has since been repaired and is awaiting FAA clearance to resume operations.
These incidents highlight the escalating concern over unauthorized drone activity in disaster areas. Forty-eight privately owned drones have been detected in the wildfire zones, prompting temporary flight restrictions and the deployment of ground teams to intercept violators. The FAA has emphasized that only personnel affiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations are permitted to operate drones within these restricted areas.
The dangers posed by drones in such situations are multifaceted. Low-flying firefighting aircraft are particularly vulnerable to mid-air collisions or pilot distractions caused by drones. Furthermore, there's a risk of drones malfunctioning and falling, potentially injuring firefighters or civilians on the ground. Most significantly, the presence of unauthorized drones can force the grounding of firefighting aircraft, leading to critical delays and jeopardizing lives and property.
Interfering with firefighting efforts on public land carries severe penalties, including potential imprisonment and substantial fines. The FAA urges the public to report any aviation regulation violations through their online hotline.
