Quebec water bomber damaged by drone while fighting L.A. wildfires back in service

A Quebec water bomber that’s been helping with wildfires in L.A. is now back in service.

This, after it was damaged in a collision with a civilian drone last Thursday.

There were no injuries, but the plane had been grounded.

“Our CL [415], which was damaged a few days ago, will now continue its fight early this afternoon. The repairs have now been completed,” said Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonnardel at an unrelated press conference on Tuesday.

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The FBI is still looking for the person who operated that drone, and the FAA is investigating, as flying drones in firefighting zones is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison in the U.S. or a fine of up to US $75,000.

More teams from Quebec are heading to California on Wednesday to help as well. Two additional air tankers and their crews, at the request of U.S. authorities.

“Two other CLs with additional pilots, four additional pilots, and eight additional technicians will be leaving tomorrow to support our American partners,” added Bonnardel.

This will mean that four Quebec air tankers will be assisting in the fight against wildfires.