The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has arrested two individuals for flying unauthorized drones in areas affected by the Eaton Fire, according to Captain Jabari Williams, reports Deadline. The arrests mark a significant enforcement action as authorities crack down on drone interference with firefighting operations.
Enforcement Action Follows Recent Drone Incident
The arrests come amid heightened concerns about drone interference with firefighting efforts. Just days earlier, fire suppression operations were hampered when a civilian drone collided with an air tanker on Thursday, forcing the aircraft to be temporarily grounded.
Zero Tolerance Approach
Law enforcement officials have emphasized strict enforcement of temporary flight restrictions in fire-affected areas. These restrictions will remain in effect through January 25 and apply to areas above and around both the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire zones.
Ongoing Investigation
While the Sheriff’s Department confirmed the arrests, they indicated no additional details were available at this time. Meanwhile, the FBI has launched a separate investigation to locate the operator of the drone involved in Thursday’s collision with the firefighting aircraft.
The enforcement actions underscore authorities’ commitment to protecting aerial firefighting operations, which remain crucial in the ongoing battle against the Eaton and Palisades fires that have collectively burned more than 37,000 acres since January 7.
Click here to read more about recent drone incidents.
Photo courtesy of Hunter Bolding on X
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