California Wildfires Disrupt Firefighting Efforts and Prompt Arrests

Drone interference and looting complicate emergency response as wildfires devastate Southern California, leaving 25 dead and thousands of structures damaged.

Three individuals were arrested for flying unauthorized drones that disrupted firefighting operations, including one collision that damaged a vital Super Scooper aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and FBI are investigating drone-related incidents, warning that interference with firefighting is a federal crime punishable by fines and jail time.
Authorities have arrested 34 people for fire-related crimes, including 20 for looting and one individual impersonating a firefighter to commit burglary.
The wildfires have scorched over 40,000 acres, destroyed or damaged more than 12,300 structures, and claimed the lives of 25 people across the Palisades and Eaton fires.
California's extensive aerial firefighting fleet, including Super Scoopers and military aircraft, continues battling the flames as severe winds fuel the blazes.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation