A shocking incident occurred on Thursday when a Canadian plane, tasked with combating the raging wildfires in Los Angeles, was forced out of service after a mid-air collision with a civilian drone. The water bomber, which originated from Quebec, was one of the many aircrafts fighting to contain the massive fires that have been scorching the region.
According to authorities, the collision happened while the plane was on its way to drop water on the fires. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, but the plane suffered significant damage and is currently out of commission.
The Los Angeles fire department expressed concerns about the increasing number of drones that are being flown in the vicinity of the fires, which poses a significant threat to the safety of the firefighters and the aircrafts involved in the operation. "This incident highlights the dangers of reckless drone usage near disaster zones," said a spokesperson for the fire department.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations regarding the usage of drones near airports and disaster areas. However, many drone enthusiasts and hobbyists are unaware of these regulations or choose to ignore them, putting others at risk.
The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating the incident and is working to identify the owner of the rogue drone. If found, the owner could face serious charges, including fines and even imprisonment, for endangering the lives of others.
The removal of the Canadian plane from service has put additional strain on the firefighting efforts, with other aircrafts having to take on more responsibilities to compensate for the loss. The fires, which have been burning for days, have already destroyed numerous homes and businesses, and the fire department is working tirelessly to contain them.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible drone usage and the need for stricter enforcement of drone regulations. As the use of drones becomes more widespread, it is crucial that authorities and drone enthusiasts work together to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.