LAPD Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing After Drone Strike at 8-Acre Encino Fire
Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 8
LAPD Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing After Drone Strike at 8-Acre Encino Fire
3 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Jul 8
Summary
Van Nuys Airport received an LAPD helicopter for an emergency landing after a drone struck the aircraft while it was assisting crews at an Encino brush fire; police said everyone aboard was safe.
The collision disrupted aerial firefighting as water-dropping helicopters were working to keep the 8-acre fire from spreading near the Encino Reservoir and homes in the Sepulveda Basin.
153 firefighters knocked down the blaze after it was reported shortly before 12:30 p.m.; LAFD Chief Jaime Moore said downed, still-energized power lines likely sparked the initial and secondary spot fires.
An evacuation warning for nearby residents was lifted about 90 minutes later, while Mayor Karen Bass said the drone operator would face arrest and prosecution if identified.