Canadian Plane Helping Combat LA Wildfires Grounded After Hitting Civilian Drone In Restricted Airspace

A specialized Canadian plane helping combat the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles had to be grounded after hitting a civilian drone flying over restricted airspace, the fire department said.

The plane, known as a "Super Scooper," is a CL-415 model used to gather over 1,500 gallons of ocean waters and drop them over active fires, CNN detailed.

Los Angeles Fire Department Erik Scott said no injuries were reported after the incident but that "Quebec 1" remains grounded, with the LAFD showing images of the plane with a hole in the front of one of its wings.

All aircraft responding to the Palisades Fire, the largest of all scorching the area, were grounded as well, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the collision.

The agency added that it has not "authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones" in restricted airspace. "The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses."

At least 10 people have died so far and 180,000 residents have been forced to evacuate as wildfires rage on. Officials fear the death toll may keep rising as firefighters battle blazes fueled by dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds that are expected to persist through Friday.

The Palisades Fire has scorched nearly 20,000 acres — more than 30 square miles — and destroyed an estimated 5,000 structures. Only 6% of it remains contained, according to NBC News. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire near Pasadena has consumed 13,690 acres and leveled at least 4,000 structures, with no containment progress reported as of Thursday night.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described the destruction as "some of the worst" he has ever seen, comparing the aftermath to "an atomic bomb." Luna expressed concern about the growing death toll, saying, "I don't expect good news."