Multiple unauthorized drones flew above the Palisades fire in Santa Monica, California, on Friday afternoon, forcing important firefighting aircraft to leave the area for safety, The Los Angeles Times reported.
Authorities decided to move the firefighting aircraft out of the area after a drone collided with a Super Scooper aircraft on Thursday. That plane was grounded for several days to be repaired, taking away a key asset for firefighters as the Palisades fire continues to burn. Authorities said that the drones were spotted near the southeastern portion of the fire around 4:40 p.m. on Friday, according to the Times.
“Because of safety, we have to get all the aircraft out of the area until we know the drones are gone,” said Chris Thomas, the public information officer for the Palisades fire. “So that is very dangerous, because it takes water-dropping capability away from the…
