Firefighting aircraft strikes drone over Palisades Fire in US

A firefighting aircraft has been forced to land after being hit by a drone operated by a civilian while responding to the Palisades Fire in the US. 

The incident involved a Canadair CL-415, as confirmed by Los Angeles Fire Department Public Information Officer Erik Scott, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Quebec 1 sustained wing damage and remains grounded and out of service," Scott said. 

According to Los Angeles County Fire officials, the Super Scooper sustained a hole in its wing due to the drone collision, though it is unclear how long the aircraft will remain out of service. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident and has issued a strong warning to the public, reminding civilians that operating a drone during firefighting activities is a federal offense, carrying penalties of up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000.

"When people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies often ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision," said the FAA website. "Delaying airborne response poses a threat to firefighters on the ground, residents, and property in nearby communities, and it can allow wildfires to grow larger." 

Last year, Cal Fire crews encountered similar challenges while fighting three large wildfires raging across Southern California. Wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, killing at least 10 people, destroying thousands of structures and prompting evacuation orders for at least 179,000 residents who hurried to escape the flames engulfing swaths of Los Angeles. 

The Palisades Fire, a roaring blaze that has burned nearly 20,000 acres since it broke out on January 7 morning in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, is currently the largest wildfire in the region. It grew out of a brush fire that exploded as powerful winds ripped through the area. 

By Naila Huseynova