Drone Strikes LAPD Helicopter During Encino Brush Fire Response

 

iSpyVNY news - July 8, 2026

 

Encino, CA — A dangerous reminder that unauthorized drones can put lives at risk unfolded Tuesday as firefighters battled a brush fire near the Encino Reservoir in Encino.

 

The fire, which burned approximately eight acres after breaking out shortly before 12:30 p.m., prompted an aggressive response from more than 150 firefighters, hand crews and water-dropping helicopters. Officials say the fire is believed to have started after downed, energized power lines ignited dry brush, sending flames uphill toward nearby homes and triggering temporary evacuation warnings.

 

But while crews worked to contain the flames from the air, an unexpected hazard forced one police helicopter down.

 

Captain Brian Wendling with the Los Angeles Police Department said an LAPD helicopter was struck by a drone while assisting with the emergency response.

 

"...our airship was hit by a drone and had to make an emergency landing over at Van Nuys Airport." He added that, as far as he was aware at the time of the briefing, "everybody is OK... They are just going to do checks for damage and the safety of the crew."

 

The collision forced the helicopter to make an emergency landing, highlighting the dangers drones pose to emergency aircraft operating in active disaster zones. Authorities say even a small drone can cause catastrophic damage if it collides with a helicopter or air tanker during low-altitude firefighting operations.

 

Captain Wendling also urged the public to stay clear of emergency scenes, warning, "I know people are curious, but curiosity can cause danger."

 

Firefighters ultimately stopped the fire at approximately eight acres, and evacuation warnings were lifted later Tuesday afternoon. No injuries or structural damage were reported.