As the death toll in the LA wildfires continues to rise, officials are reporting that private drones are interfering with aerial firefighting efforts.

On Saturday evening, officials reported that private drones flying near the wildfires in Los Angeles County continued to hinder aerial firefighting efforts, as the number of deaths caused by the fires increased.

Since the fires began on Tuesday, 48 privately owned drones have been spotted flying over the flames, according to Los Angeles County Deputy Fire Chief Robert Harris, who made this statement during a Saturday evening briefing.

If privately owned drones are detected during firefighting activities, we must pause them, so we kindly request that you refrain from operating drones in the area. The owners of these drones are being sought by police and may face legal consequences.

It is advised by authorities that civilians should refrain from flying drones near wildfires as they may hinder the operations of low-flying firefighting aircraft and impede the response of emergency services. Distractions caused by pilots can be fatal.

On Thursday, a private drone collided with a Quebec 1 Super Scooper firefighting aircraft, causing a "fist-sized hole" and knocking it out of service until at least Monday. Officials said.

At the time of the incident, the Super Scooper, which had flown down from Canada, was working to contain the Palisades Fire. However, the pilots were unaware of a drone hit that wasn't discovered until they landed at Van Nuys airport and maintenance staff noticed the hole, officials said.

A spokesperson for the FAA informed Planet Chronicle Digital that interfering with firefighters is a federal crime that can result in imprisonment for up to a year and a fine of $75,000.

The number of deaths resulting from the wildfires has increased to 16, with five deaths linked to the Palisades Fire and 11 attributed to the Eaton Fire, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

The Palisades and Eaton fires, the two largest wildfires, have so far consumed 59 square miles, an area larger than San Francisco, Cal Fire said.

On Saturday night, Cal Fire reported that the Palisades Fire was contained at 11% and the Eaton Fire was contained at 15%. Firefighters are still working to contain both fires.

Another round of strong winds is expected to start on Monday, and firefighters are preparing for it, said Michael Traum of the California Office of Emergency Services.

This report was contributed to by Michael Ruiz and Julia Bonavita of Planet Chronicle Digital, as well as The Associated Press.