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A firefighting aircraft Super Scooper was hit by a drone while flying over the Palisades fire zone. The aircraft was grounded immediately and is expected to fly again on January 11, 2025. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the matter and stated that flying drones within a fire zone is illegal.
The drone reportedly hit the nose of the aircraft. The FAA has also enforced a flight restriction over the entire Palisades fire area, from the surface up to 7,000 feet. According to NBC News, this situation is more concerning for firefighting aircraft because they fly low when involved in water and retardant drops.
Netizens were quick to react to this situation. While many anticipated delay in getting the investigation results, others looked forward to knowing the drone’s owner. One X user wrote:
“Someone’s getting a felony.”
Many X users wrote that the situation was bound to happen as others pointed out the possible penalty.
“Oh good. A government agency will investigate. Should know something in 12 years or so, if we ever find out at all,” a netizen reacted.
“Someone trying to get some amateur drone footage is about to get a MASSIVE fine,” a person commented on X.
“It was bound to happen,” another X user suggested.
Netizens criticized the drone hovering over the Palisades fire zone, saying it was trying to capture footage of the fire for a social media reel.
“Let’s hope the FAA gets to the bottom of this fast,” a social media user anticipated.
“Get your hobbyist and news drones out of the way, or at the very least coordinate!” an online user reacted.
“Probably someone trying to get footage for a reel,” an internet user remarked.
The drone flying over the Palisades fire nearly damaged the Super Scooper
The Los Angeles Fire Department first reported the collision on January 9, 2025. The agency mentioned that at around 1 PM, an unauthorized drone collided with Quebec 1, the Super Scooper aircraft flying over Palisades fire.
The plane sustained wing damage but landed safely at Van Nuys Airport without injuries. The aircraft was reportedly out of service pending investigation and repairs.
According to fire officials, the fire zone between Santa Monica and Malibu was 8% contained after three days. The fire destroyed approximately 20,000 acres and over 5,000 structures, including homes, vehicles, and trailers. Pacific Palisades, a wealthy neighborhood, suffered significant damage, with entire streets of homes and businesses destroyed.
A curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. was imposed in areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires, including evacuation zones, to prevent looting and reassure residents about leaving their homes. Violators could face arrest.
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The California insurance commissioner has prohibited insurers from canceling or not renewing policies for affected residents for one year.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power issued a boil water notice for 48 hours around the Pacific Palisades and nearby areas north of San Vicente Boulevard. The advisory was in place as long as water testing continued.
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