Brush Fire in Encino Prompts Evacuation Warning, Drone Collides with Helicopter

A brush fire erupted in Encino on Tuesday afternoon, leading to a temporary evacuation warning for nearby residents. The fire began around noon near the Encino Reservoir, specifically in the vicinity of the 4500 block of North Encino Avenue, according to the L.A. City Fire Department. It expanded rapidly from half an acre to five acres.

Fire crews, heavy equipment, and water-dropping aircraft were deployed to combat the blaze, which briefly threatened homes in the area. By 2 p.m., firefighters reported that forward progress had been halted, and the evacuation warning was lifted by 4 p.m. The fire also caused power outages for nearly a thousand customers in the Encino area, as reported by the Department of Water and Power. During the firefighting efforts, a drone collided with a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter, prompting officials to ground the aircraft temporarily for damage assessment. Mayor Karen Bass condemned the drone operation, stating it is illegal and unacceptable, and warned of potential arrests and prosecutions for those responsible.