Unauthorized drones forced firefighting aircraft to halt operations over the Palisades Fire near Los Angeles, endangering lives and hampering efforts to contain California's most destructive blaze, Newsweek reported.
Officials said firefighting aircraft battling the Palisades Fire were grounded Friday afternoon after unauthorized drones were spotted in the area. The disruption comes as the wildfire has scorched over 21,000 acres and threatens heavily populated areas like the San Fernando Valley.
According to Chris Thomas, a public information officer for the Palisades Fire, the Federal Aviation Administration and law enforcement are investigating the incident, which occurred around 4:40 p.m. in the southeastern section of the fire near Santa Monica.
"This is not just harmless fun. This is incredibly dangerous," Thomas told the Los Angeles Times.
On Thursday, a Super Scooper fixed-wing aircraft designed to drop large quantities of water sustained damage after colliding with a small drone. The collision left a hole in the plane's wing, temporarily grounding it, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said. He expressed hope that the aircraft would return to service by Monday.
Firefighting officials stress that unauthorized drones force aircraft to leave active fire zones and pose significant safety risks.
"Because of safety, we have to get all the aircraft out of the area until we know the drones are gone," Thomas explained. "It takes water-dropping capability away from the fire."
The FAA has reiterated that interfering with firefighting efforts is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.
"If we have to take helicopters out of an area and the wind catches one of those cinders in that area, it could ignite a whole other area," Thomas said.
The Palisades Fire, now the most destructive wildfire in California's history, has claimed at least 11 lives, with officials fearing the death toll could rise as many remain unaccounted for.
On Friday, the fire moved closer to urban areas, prompting fresh concerns from local authorities.
President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration, providing federal emergency response and recovery funds. More powerful winds, with speeds between 20 mph and 40 mph, are expected to intensify the fires overnight Saturday, though forecasters predict calmer conditions by Sunday.
Officials warn that any delay in firefighting efforts due to drone interference could have devastating consequences.
"What if that plane had gone down?" Thomas said. "It could have taken out a row of homes. It could have taken out a school."