To map the extent of the damage caused by the devastating forest fires in the Los Angeles area, not only the responsible authorities, but also many hobby pilots are flying over the disaster area with their drones. After a collision with a fire-fighting aircraft, a search is now underway for such a drone owner.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is already investigating the mid-air incident. One of two firefighting planes from Canada currently in use at the largest of the five wildfires was struck by a drone and had to land immediately, according to information. “One of the wings had a leak,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday.
The FAA said in a statement: “It is a criminal offense to obstruct a firefighting operation on public property. It is punishable by a prison sentence of up to twelve months.” In addition, the pilot of the ill-fated drone risks a fine of up to 75,000 dollars (about 73,000 euros). The authority stressed that there is currently no authorization for drone flights outside the jurisdiction of the fire brigade.
The FBI now wants to prevent further drone flights
According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, the FBI now wants to set up a kind of ‘air shield’ so that such incidents do not occur again. There was no concrete information about what this measure should look like.
Apparently, the threat of punishment is now causing fear among drone owners who have already posted their own footage on social media. Because some of them have removed their works again.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
