The number of unauthorized drone incidents over the Los Angeles County Fire District is now “in the double digits,” Akil Davis, deputy chief in charge of the Los Angeles Field Office, told NBC News on Saturday.
The most serious of these incidents was a drone attack Thursday morning that punctured a Super Scooper, which was caught in a water-dropping sortie over the Palisades fire zone, and other firefighting aircraft. temporarily grounded the plane and grounded its specialist Canadian Air. At least Monday, and probably beyond.
Investigators recovered debris from the drone, and the FBI and partner agencies are investigating. So far, no arrests or charges have been made in any of the cases, and the investigation continues.
It is illegal to fly a drone in areas where the Federal Aviation Administration has placed temporary flight restrictions, including fire zones, and the operator is also cited. But in cases like the one where the strike took place, the investigation could result in federal charges.
Davis did not elaborate on the location and number of anti-drone personnel or the mitigation equipment they would use.
Law enforcement officials said drone operators who violate the rules typically fall into one of three categories: “ignorant, criminal, or careless.”
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