Photo: Getty Images
A Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft was grounded after colliding with a civilian drone while flying over the deadly Palisades Fire Thursday (January 9) afternoon, CBS News reports.
The crash took place at around 1:00 p.m., Los Angeles Fire Department Public Information Officer Erik Scott confirmed.
"Quebec 1 sustained wing damage and remains grounded and out of service," Scott said.
The firefighting aircraft was reported to have suffered a hole in its wing due to the crash, according to Los Angeles County Fire officials, and it's unclear how long it will be inoperable.
"There were no reported injuries," the Los Angeles County Fire Department said in a statement. "The incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.
"The LACoFD would like to remind everyone that flying a drone in the midst of firefighting efforts is a federal crime and punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000."
At least 10 people have died in relation to multiple wildfires in Los Angeles County, the office of the Los Angeles County medical examiner announced during an update Thursday night via the Los Angeles Times. Officials had previously confirmed four deaths in relation to the 13,690-acre Eaton fire in Altadena and one in the 19,978-acre Palisades fire before giving the updated total hours later.
More than 100,000 residents have evacuated due to the life-threatening wildfires. The Eaton and Palisades fires were reported to have caused the most devastation among the several wildfires in the county.