Unauthorized use of drones in double digits in SoCal shootout – NBC Los Angeles

The number of unauthorized drone incidents over Los Angeles County fire zones is now “in the double digits,” Aquil Davis, assistant director of the Los Angeles Field Office, told NBC News on Saturday.

The most serious of these incidents was a drone strike punched a hole in the Superscooper on Thursday morning Because the landing aircraft was involved in sorties over the Palisades fire area, other firefighting aircraft will be temporarily grounded and the dedicated Canadair will be taken out of service until at least Monday and possibly beyond.

Investigators recovered fragments of the drone, which are being investigated by the FBI and partner agencies. No arrests or charges have been made in either case at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

Drones are prohibited from flying in areas where there is a temporary flight restriction imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration, which included fire zones, and operators can be cited. But in cases like the strike, the investigation could lead to federal charges.

Davis would not provide details on the location or number of anti-drone personnel or the mitigation equipment they use.

Law enforcement officials said drone operators who break the rules usually fall into one of three categories: “ignorant, criminal and careless.”