In the aftermath the FAA promised severe punishment for anyone caught flying drones in a way that interferes with firefighting, with penalties of up to 12 months in prison and $75,000 in fines. But the uncomfortable reality is that there is little that authorities can do to prevent illegal drone flights,

A firefighting 'Super Scooper' airplane on loan from Canada has been grounded for three days after a civilian drone flew into its wing, authorities say.

The "Super Scooper" was dropping 1,500 gallons of desperately needed water at a time on the inferno below until it was damaged by the drone.