Private drones are interfering with aerial firefighting efforts as death toll rises in LA wildfires: officials

Reports confirm that private drones are causing obstructions in the ongoing firefighting operations near the wildfires in Los Angeles County. The death toll from the fires is also on the rise.

During a briefing on Saturday evening, Los Angeles County Deputy Fire Chief Robert Harris revealed that a total of 48 privately owned drones have been sighted flying over the fires since they first began on Tuesday.

Addressing the issue, Harris emphasized the negative impact these drones have on firefighting efforts. He stated that whenever these drones are detected, all firefighting activities must be halted. He further urged the public to refrain from flying drones in the affected areas to help facilitate the firefighting operations. Harris also mentioned that authorities are actively searching for the owners of these drones, who may face potential prosecution for their actions.

Authorities urge civilians not to fly drones near wildfires because they can get in the way of low-flying firefighting aircraft and delay emergency responders. Pilot distractions can be deadly.

Meanwhile, the death toll in connection with the wildfires has jumped to 16, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire.

helicopter drops water on the Palisades Fire

A helicopter drops water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

As of Saturday evening, the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires had consumed about 62 square miles, an area larger than San Francisco, Cal Fire said. The Palisades and Eaton fires – the two largest wildfires – have so far scorched 59 square miles.

Firefighters are still working to contain the Palisades and Eaton fires. Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 11% and the Eaton Fire at 15% on Saturday night.

Palisades firefighters

Firefighters watch as water is dropped on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

With the battle set to continue, firefighters are bracing for another round of strong winds expected starting on Monday, said Michael Traum of the California Office of Emergency Services.

Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz and Julia Bonavita, along with The Associated Press, contributed to this report.

You May Also Like
Brittany Hill case: Michael Washington, Eric Adams guilty for killing Chicago mother as she held her baby in 2019

Two men found guilty of killing a Chicago mother while she was holding her baby in 2019: Brittany Hill case

CHICAGO (WLS) — Two men were found guilty of killing a mother…
Chicago fire: Multiple injured, rescued in Edgewater high rise fire on Kenmore Avenue

Multiple people injured and rescued in fire at tall building on Kenmore Avenue in Edgewater, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Multiple people were rescued after a building fire on…
Germans are SHOCKED by one thing Brits and Americans commonly do in restaurants and on public transport

Germans are SURPRISED by a common behavior in restaurants and on public transport among Brits and Americans

Expats working in Germany have noticed a common view among Germans about…
Chicago weather: Dolton recovering from flooding, severe storms amid transition from Tiffany Henyard to Mayor-elect Jason House

Recovery Underway in Dolton from Flooding and Severe Storms During Leadership Transition to Mayor-elect Jason House

CHICAGO (WLS) — Some parts of the Chicago area are still drying…
Is ‘The Luckiest Man in America’ Streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?

Can I watch ‘The Luckiest Man in America’ on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?

If you’ve ever thought about outsmarting a game show, then consider watching…
GM will dramatically increase car production in US after Trump tariffs

General Motors (GM) to significantly boost car manufacturing in the United States following implementation of Trump’s tariffs

General Motors on Thursday announced it will dramatically increase vehicle production in…
General Motors Responds to Trump's Tariffs in a Way That Will Make Indiana Very Happy

General Motors Reacts to Tariffs from Trump in a Manner That Will Please Indiana Greatly.

Here are just a few of CNN’s doomsday headlines: Not everyone is…
Vigil held in Chicago after Joliet man, Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr., among 4 US soldiers killed in training accident in Lithuania

Chicago hosts memorial after Joliet resident, Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr., along with 3 other US soldiers, tragically passed away in Lithuania training incident

CHICAGO (WLS) — A vigil Thursday in Chicago honored a Joliet soldier…
Iowa student’s passport seizure in Dominican Republic raises red flags for Americans traveling: What to know

Americans traveling to the Dominican Republic should be aware of the Iowa student’s passport seizure: Important information to keep in mind

The seizing of an Iowa college student’s passport while under investigation in…
ICE accelerating removal operations by adding 500 more beds in Florida jail

ICE expedites deportations by increasing detention capacity with 500 additional beds at a Florida correctional facility.

ICE is collaborating with the Glades County Sheriff’s Office in Florida to…
When Do New Episodes Of ‘The Pitt’ Come Out on Max? Episode 14 Premiere Time and More

Release Date for New Episodes of ‘The Pitt’ on Max? Episode 14 Premiere Schedule and Details

Last week, an all-new episode of MAX’s show, The Pitt, took Dr.…
Anna Wintour stuns Vogue and Vanity Fair staffers at all-in meeting revealing shock move

Surprise Announcement by Anna Wintour Leaves Vogue and Vanity Fair Employees Stunned

Anna Wintour shocked her team when she unexpectedly became emotional during a…