Police arrested three people following two drone incidents as authorities report numerous encounters with aerial operations, potentially hampering lifesaving measures as wildfires rage throughout Southern California. 

As of Monday afternoon, charges had not been released. Two arrests stem from one drone incident, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. 

“If you do not have business in the evacuation areas, do not go there,” Luna said in a press conference on Monday. “You are infringing upon the work that our first responders need to attend to.”

Airplanes scoop up water from the ocean to douse the Palisades Fire blaze up in the mountains on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.  (Sandy Hooper/Imagn)

The FAA has warned against the dangers of drone activity interfering with first responders. Aircraft battling wildfires often fly at low altitudes, which could result in encounters with drones, such as mid-air collisions or pilot distractions. Additionally, drones could lose connection and fall from the sky, potentially striking firefighters or civilians on the ground. 

Flying a drone in a wildfire zone could force first responders to ground aircraft, resulting in delays and threatening the safety of firefighters, civilians, and structures. 

“Drones are probably one of our most significant threats right now in law enforcement,” Davis said.

Interfering with firefighting operations on public land is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison. The FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 if a drone pilot interferes with wildfire suppression or law enforcement efforts when temporary flight restrictions are in place. 

The FAA encourages the public to use their FAA Hotline web form to report any violations of Federal Aviation Regulations. 

Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.