West LA Times

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently investigating a collision involving an unauthorized drone and a "Super Scooper" firefighting aircraft. The incident occurred on January 9 during efforts to combat the Palisades Fire near Malibu, California.

According to the FBI, the collision resulted in damage to the aircraft's wing; however, it managed to land safely. Unauthorized drones in wildfire zones violate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-imposed Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), posing risks to emergency operations and carrying severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The FBI urges anyone with information or footage related to the incident to report it via their Digital Media Tipline or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

NBC News reports that losing a Super Scooper aircraft in the Palisades Fire fight is significant because local fire agencies lease only a few of these planes seasonally due to their cost and limited availability. Built exclusively in Canada, the Canadair CL-415 can scoop over 1,600 gallons of water from oceans or lakes in seconds and fly for hours without refueling. With few new units produced each year and only 160 in operation worldwide, replacing or supplementing damaged aircraft is challenging, making every Super Scooper a critical tool in high fire danger zones.

The FBI urges anyone with information or footage related to the incident to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. | FBI Los Angeles

Reuters has reported that Santa Ana winds significantly hindered aerial firefighting efforts. These winds not only fanned the flames but also temporarily grounded firefighting aircraft as turbulent conditions made precise water drops challenging and hazardous for pilots. Even when flights resumed, strong winds continued to interfere with the trajectory and dispersal patterns of the water, diminishing its impact on the fire.

NBC News states that the Palisades Fire raged out of control due to extreme environmental conditions and critical response challenges. Prolonged drought left vegetation exceptionally dry and flammable, while powerful Santa Ana winds with gusts exceeding 80 mph rapidly spread the flames. During this period, over 200,000 residents were under evacuation orders due to both the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire affecting Alta Dena simultaneously. Some fatalities include residents who died trying to protect their homes from the fires.

The New York Post reports that some victims of the Palisades Fire have filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles' Department of Water and Power over issues related to the out-of-commission Santa Ynez Reservoir. The reservoir can hold 117 million gallons of water crucial for firefighting efforts; however, it has been dry since early 2024 due to repairs needed on its floating cover. This situation left firefighters with significantly less water to combat the Palisades Fire. Attorneys for the victims allege that repairs should have been made sooner.

According to Cal Fire, approximately 40,695 acres have been burned by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires. More than 12,300 structures have been destroyed or damaged in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding neighborhoods. As of January 16th, there are 24 confirmed fatalities. Santa Ana winds, drought conditions, and heavy brush resulting from last year's rains continue fueling these fires as investigations into their causes proceed.