An investigation is currently being conducted by federal authorities and California police following an incident where a drone collided with the wing of a firefighting aircraft while it was in the midst of delivering water to combat the extensive wildfires in Los Angeles. The collision caused a significant “fist-sized hole” in the aircraft and rendered it inoperable for several days during a critical period.
The incident occurred as the aircraft, known as the Quebec 1 Super Scooper from Canada, was actively engaged in efforts to contain the Palisades Fire, according to a spokesperson from the Federal Aviation Administration who spoke with Fox News Digital.
It was one of only two Super Scooper aircraft in use in Southern California at the time.
Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
The longer the delay, the more the fire can spread.
The wildfires in the region have resulted in the loss of at least 10 lives and the destruction of over 10,000 residences and commercial establishments. The Palisades Fire, the largest among the numerous blazes in Southern California, had already consumed more than 20,000 acres and was only 8% contained by Friday morning.
Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (Photo/Ethan Swope)
Evacuation orders were issued for more than 180,000 residents earlier this week. Some have been lifted.
Fox News’ Greg Norman contributed to this report.
