(NewsNation) — According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a drone collided with a firefighting aircraft Thursday over the Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles.
In a statement, the FAA said the aircraft was resultantly damaged.
“Fire officials informed the FAA that a firefighting aircraft struck a drone while it was operating over the Palisades fire in Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 9,” it said in a statement.
“It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands,” the statement continued.
“Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response operations.”
Temporary flight restrictions are in place by the FAA as firefighters continue to battle fires across Los Angeles.
The LAPD has confirmed to NewsNation that the Kenneth Fire is now being investigated as an arson case, with one person in custody.
Click here to view the LAPD’s interactive evacuation zone map.
