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A specialized firefighting aircraft, known as the “Super Scooper,” was forced to land after colliding with a drone in restricted airspace over the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Thursday. The incident,confirmed by the Los Angeles Fire Department,highlights the growing risks posed by unauthorized drone activity during emergency operations.
The CL-415, a Canadian-made aircraft designed for aerial firefighting, is capable of collecting over 1,500 gallons of water in a single scoop. These planes are critical in combating large-scale wildfires,making the grounding of one a meaningful setback for firefighting efforts.
The affected plane, identified as Quebec 1, “sustained wing damage and remains grounded and out of service,” according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Erik Scott. Fortunately,no injuries were reported. Scott shared the update on social media,emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The collision led to the temporary suspension of all aerial firefighting operations in the area, as reported by The War Zone. Citing Cal Fire, the outlet noted that Quebec 1 was one of only two CL-415s deployed to combat the Palisades Fire, underscoring the impact of its grounding.
the Los Angeles Fire Department released images of the damaged aircraft, showing a visible hole in the front of its wing. The plane, bearing the tail number C-GQBG, is registered as a Canadair CL-415 on multiple flight tracking platforms.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by drones in restricted airspace, particularly during emergencies. Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid flying drones near active fire zones, as such actions can jeopardize both firefighting efforts and lives.
In a remarkable display of international cooperation, Quebec has deployed a specialized firefighting team to assist in battling the devastating wildfires raging across California. The team, consisting of 25 highly skilled pilots and 20 technicians, was sent by Quebec’s Transport Ministry to support ongoing efforts to contain the blazes.Sarah Bensadoun, a spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized the importance of collaboration during such crises, stating, “This is about neighbors helping neighbors.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed this sentiment in a recent post on X, sharing a video of one of the firefighting planes in action. In his message, Trudeau highlighted the cross-border partnership, using both American and British-English spellings of the word “neighbors” to reflect the shared linguistic heritage between the two nations. “This is what solidarity looks like,” he wrote, underscoring the significance of international aid during emergencies.
though, the firefighting efforts have not been without challenges. A recent midair collision involving firefighting aircraft has prompted an inquiry by the Federal Aviation Management (FAA). Despite the incident, both planes managed to land safely, and no injuries were reported. The FAA has since reiterated the importance of maintaining strict airspace regulations,particularly in areas affected by wildfires.
In a statement released late Thursday, the FAA warned against unauthorized drone activity in restricted airspace. “the FAA has not authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones in these areas,” the agency declared. The presence of drones near firefighting operations poses significant risks, including grounding air tankers, delaying response times, and perhaps endangering lives. “The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses,” the statement added.
While the FAA did not specify which agency was operating the firefighting aircraft involved in the collision, flight tracking data revealed a coordinated effort involving Cal Fire air tankers, helicopters from county fire departments, and government contractors. These teams have been working tirelessly to combat the wildfires, which have caused widespread destruction and forced thousands to evacuate.
As the investigation into the midair collision continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the firefighting operations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers inherent in aerial firefighting, particularly in high-stakes environments like the ongoing California wildfires.
For now, the collaboration between Quebec and California stands as a testament to the power of international solidarity in the face of natural disasters. As the fires continue to burn, the combined efforts of these dedicated teams offer a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
What measures can be taken to prevent unauthorized drone activity in restricted airspace during emergencies?
Interview with Captain Marie Leclerc, Aerial Firefighting Expert and Pilot of the Canadair CL-415 “Super Scooper”
Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon, Captain Leclerc. Thank you for joining us today.As an experienced pilot of the Canadair CL-415, also known as the ”Super Scooper,” you’ve been at the forefront of aerial firefighting efforts. Can you start by explaining the critical role these aircraft play in combating wildfires?
Captain Marie leclerc: Thank you for having me. The Canadair CL-415 is a specialized amphibious aircraft designed specifically for aerial firefighting. It’s capable of scooping up to 1,500 gallons of water in just 12 seconds from a nearby body of water and dropping it precisely on wildfires. This capability is invaluable in controlling large-scale fires, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas. The speed and efficiency of these aircraft frequently enough make the difference between containing a fire and losing control of it.
Archyde News Editor: Recently, one of these aircraft, Quebec 1, was involved in a collision with a drone over the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. Can you walk us through what happened and the impact of such an incident?
Captain Marie Leclerc: Certainly. The incident occurred while Quebec 1 was conducting a water drop over the Palisades Fire.The aircraft collided with a civilian-operated drone in restricted airspace,resulting in critically important damage to the wing.Thankfully, the crew managed to land safely, and no injuries were reported. However, the grounding of Quebec 1 has had a substantial impact on firefighting operations. With only two CL-415s deployed to combat this fire, losing one aircraft means losing half of our aerial firefighting capacity in that area. this not only slows down containment efforts but also puts additional strain on ground crews and other resources.
Archyde News Editor: This incident highlights the growing risks posed by unauthorized drone activity during emergencies. What are your thoughts on this issue, and what measures do you think need to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future?
Captain Marie Leclerc: Unauthorized drone activity in restricted airspace is a serious and growing concern. Drones can cause catastrophic damage to aircraft, endanger lives, and disrupt critical firefighting operations. In this case, the collision forced the temporary suspension of all aerial firefighting efforts, which is a significant setback during an active wildfire.
To prevent such incidents, we need stricter enforcement of no-fly zones during emergencies, as well as public awareness campaigns to educate drone operators about the dangers they pose. additionally, technology such as geofencing—which prevents drones from entering restricted areas—should be mandatory for all civilian drones. Collaboration between aviation authorities, fire departments, and the public is essential to ensure the safety of both firefighting crews and the communities they protect.
Archyde News Editor: The Canadair CL-415 is a Canadian-made aircraft, and quebec has a long history of deploying these planes internationally. How does this collaboration benefit global firefighting efforts?
Captain Marie Leclerc: The Canadair CL-415 is a testament to Canadian innovation and expertise in aerial firefighting. Quebec, in particular, has been a leader in deploying these aircraft to assist in international firefighting efforts, including in California.This collaboration is mutually beneficial—it allows us to share our expertise and resources while gaining valuable experience in different firefighting environments. Wildfires are a global challenge, and international cooperation is crucial to effectively combat them. By working together, we can save lives, protect property, and preserve ecosystems.
Archyde News Editor: what message would you like to share with the public regarding the use of drones near active fire zones?
Captain Marie Leclerc: My message is simple: Please, do not fly drones near active fire zones. Your actions can have severe consequences, not just for firefighting operations but for the safety of everyone involved. When you see a wildfire,the best thing you can do is stay clear of the area and let the professionals do their job. Together, we can ensure that our firefighting efforts are as effective and safe as possible.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you,captain Leclerc,for your insights and for your dedication to protecting lives and communities.We wish you and your team continued safety and success in your firefighting missions.
Captain Marie Leclerc: Thank you. It’s an honor to serve, and I hope this incident serves as a wake-up call for everyone to prioritize safety during emergencies.
