Authorities Investigating After Drone Collides with Firefighting Aircraft in L.A.

01/13/2025 01:15 PM

An FBI spokesperson told PEOPLE the aircraft "thankfully" was able to land safely despite a hole in its left wing

The FBI says it is investigating an incident in which a private drone collided with an aircraft working to put out the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles over the last several days.

FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller confirmed to PEOPLE that an investigation has been launched into the incident, which took place last Thursday as relief efforts surrounding the L.A. wildfires aimed to contain and eliminate the ongoing wildfires. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people, according to The Associated Press.

CBS News first reported that an "unauthorized drone" had damaged the firefighting aircraft after colliding with it on Thursday as it flew over the city, providing assistance to the ongoing ground relief efforts.

The Federal Aviation Administration put temporary flight restrictions in place over Los Angeles as aircraft continue to help provide support, Eimiller told PEOPLE in a statement. Those restrictions are set to remain in place until Jan. 25, CBS News reported. 

Eimiller told PEOPLE that the firefighting aircraft, known as a "super scooper," was "thankfully" able to land safely after the collision with the drone. Nonetheless, the spokesperson added, the aircraft's left wing was "heavily damaged" in the crash.

"The collision left a 3 x 6 inch hole in the left wing," Eimiller said. "The drone was heavily damaged but we were able to recover parts."

The FBI spokesperson added that "while we have conducted a significant investigation working with our partners in the public and private sector, and are continuing to make progress, we are seeking the public's help in order to identify the operator of the drone."

Related: L.A. Fires Death Toll Grows to 24 as Investigators Say They're Looking at Whether Electricity Started Some Blazes

Local authorities warned Los Angeles residents Monday that conditions may continue to fuel the wildfires this week. 

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A hazardous weather warning and air quality alert was issued Sunday by the National Weather Service over "harmful particle pollution levels due to windblown dust" in the region, PEOPLE reported. High winds are expected up until midday on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and a wood-burning is banned until Monday, Jan. 13. 

Meanwhile, investigators from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are currently focused on an electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon as the possible starting point for the wildfires, which began spreading on Jan. 7.