Recently released photos by the FBI reveal the extent of the damage caused to a Canadian firefighting plane known as the 'Super Scooper' after it collided with a civilian drone. The incident occurred during firefighting efforts to combat the Palisades Fire, where the specifically designed CL-415 aircraft was being utilized to scoop up large quantities of ocean water to douse the flames.
The collision resulted in a significant three-by-six-inch hole in the wing of the plane, prompting the aircraft to be temporarily grounded for repairs. The FBI is now actively seeking the public's assistance in identifying the individual responsible for operating the drone that caused the damage.
FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis emphasized the critical role of aerial firefighting in containing wildfires, stating that the temporary loss of the 'Super Scooper' could potentially impact the speed at which the fire spreads, leading to property damage, loss of life, and posing a danger to the surrounding communities.
Authorities managed to recover some fragments of the civilian drone involved in the collision, aiding in the investigation. Despite the setback, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone expressed confidence that the damaged plane, Quebec 1, would be back in operation by Monday.
In response to the incident, officials have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting any unauthorized drone flights over wildfire areas, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and pose a significant risk to firefighting operations.
