A Quebec-operated water bomber battling the raging Palisades Fire in Los Angeles was grounded after a collision with a civilian drone flying in restricted airspace, officials confirmed. The Canadian-made CL-415, known for its “super scooper” capabilities, sustained a sizable hole in its wing but managed to land safely, according to Cal Fire spokesperson Christopher Thomas.
The incident caused all firefighting aircraft to be grounded for nearly 30 minutes, a critical window during which the fire gained ground. “This is an extremely dangerous situation. Interfering with firefighting operations is irresponsible and puts lives at risk,” Thomas stated.
The Los Angeles Fire Department released images of the plane’s damage, attributing the collision to a civilian drone. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation, emphasizing that unauthorized drone operations in active wildfire zones are a federal crime. Violators could face up to a year in prison and civil penalties of up to $75,000.
Two Quebec-based CL-415 planes, operated by SOPFEU, have been supporting California’s firefighting efforts since Tuesday, with an additional two aircraft set to arrive soon, announced Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonnardel. These planes can scoop and deploy 6,000 liters of water in rapid succession, making them invaluable in combating large-scale fires.
The Palisades Fire is part of a devastating wildfire season in Los Angeles, which has already claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed entire neighborhoods. This annual collaboration between Quebec and California, established in 1994, underscores the critical role of international partnerships in managing escalating wildfire crises.
Source: Swifteradio.com
