Super Scooper fights Los Angeles wildfires with drones

An aircraft helping to extinguish raging wildfires across Los Angeles was attacked by a civilian drone on Thursday. The crash caused damage to the plane’s wing, according to a statement posted on X by the LA County Fire Department. The CL-415 “Super Scooper” was capable of scooping up 1,600 gallons of seawater and dropping it on nearby flames. Have service until repair is possible.

Cal Fire spokesman Chris Thomas said: new york times Grounding the aircraft would likely thwart local firefighting efforts. A Super Scooper can usually be refilled in about 5 minutes. But according to Thomas, even if it takes 10, six droplets are lost every hour. “And which house will not save and protect that water?” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the Super Scooper landed safely after the drone crash and is currently investigating the incident.

In an effort to protect firefighting efforts, temporary flight restrictions have been implemented in the Los Angeles area prohibiting drones and other aircraft from flying without FAA approval.

The drone was not used to fight the Palisade fire and was destroyed on impact, according to LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. Maron said LA Times The FBI now reportedly plans to install so-called “air armor” in the area to prevent further interference from drones.

Online, several people posted viral drone photos and video footage on social media showing the devastation of what appeared to be prohibited airspace in violation of flight restrictions put in place by the FAA. Fire response agencies often have to ground their own aircraft to avoid collisions when dummies fly drones near wildfires for online influencers.

“Obstructing firefighting operations on public lands is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison,” the FAA said in a statement. “The FAA can also impose civil fines of up to $75,000 against drone pilots who interfere with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations. The FAA takes these violations seriously and will immediately consider expedited enforcement action against these crimes.”