Commonwealth_ A Canadian firefighting aircraft, known as Quebec 1, was grounded after colliding with a civilian drone during operations to combat the Los Angeles wildfires. The collision caused significant damage to the aircraft, leaving it unable to continue its mission. Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) spokesperson Erik Scott confirmed that the plane sustained wing damage but reported no injuries resulting from the incident.
The temporary grounding of all aircraft responding to the Palisades Fire was subsequently implemented, according to The War Zone, which cited Cal Fire. The firefighting efforts were hindered by the grounding, which impacted the deployment of essential aerial resources. Quebec 1, one of two Canadian firefighting planes dispatched to California, bore the tail number C-GQBG and was identified as a Canadair CL-415, a specialized aircraft used for combating wildfires.
The LAFD released images showing a hole in the wing of the aircraft, underscoring the extent of the damage. C-GQBG is part of an annual deployment from the Canadian province of Quebec, facilitated by a 31-year-old agreement between the governments of Quebec and California. Each year, two CL-415 planes, along with a team of 25 pilots and 20 technicians, are sent to California to support firefighting efforts.
Sarah Bensadoun, a spokesperson for Quebec’s Transport Ministry, reiterated Quebec’s commitment to providing this critical support during wildfire seasons. The agreement exemplifies the collaborative relationship between the two regions in addressing natural disasters.
The collision has prompted an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In a statement, the FAA confirmed that the firefighting aircraft landed safely despite the midair collision. The FAA emphasized that no unauthorized drones were permitted to operate in the restricted airspace established over the wildfire zone.
“The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for such offenses,” the agency said. The presence of drones in aerial firefighting zones poses severe risks, potentially grounding air tankers, slowing response times, and endangering lives. While the FAA did not specify the operator of the aircraft involved in the collision, flight tracking data indicated that Cal Fire air tankers, helicopters, and other county fire department and government contractor aircraft were actively involved in the firefighting efforts over Los Angeles on Thursday.
The incident has raised significant concerns about the impact of civilian drones on firefighting operations. Drones can disrupt the crucial work of firefighting aircraft by forcing them to temporarily cease operations to avoid further collisions. The FAA’s restricted airspace regulations are intended to prevent such incidents, yet unauthorized drone activity remains a persistent challenge.
On the day of the collision, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a video on social media platform X, showcasing one of Quebec’s firefighting planes in action in California. The Prime Minister highlighted the partnership as a demonstration of “Neighbours helping neighbours,” using both American-English and British-English spellings in his post to reflect the cross-border collaboration.
The use of CL-415 planes, often referred to as “Super Scoopers,” is critical during wildfire seasons due to their ability to scoop large quantities of water from nearby lakes or oceans and drop it directly onto fires. Their deployment underscores the importance of international cooperation in disaster management, particularly in the face of increasingly severe wildfire seasons exacerbated by climate change.
The midair collision has drawn attention to the urgent need for stricter enforcement of drone regulations, especially in areas where aerial firefighting operations are underway. The FAA’s ongoing investigation aims to identify the drone operator and ensure accountability for the violation.
As firefighting operations resumed, the collaborative efforts between Quebec and California continued to showcase the value of international partnerships in managing crises. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by unauthorized drones, highlighting the need for public awareness and adherence to airspace restrictions during emergencies.
