Return of strong winds to Los Angeles threatens area's fight against fires

The damaged water-dropping super scooper firefighting aircraft that collided with a drone over the Palisades Fire last week will reportedly be back in the sky Tuesday morning, officials announced.

During a Monday morning news conference, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the aircraft has been repaired. They're now waiting on approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before it can officially fly again and continue aerial efforts to contain the flames.

According to officials, the plane last week collided with a privately-owned drone, causing significant damage to it. The drone put a 3x6 hole in the aircraft, causing a 20- to 30-minute delay in the aerial firefight.

The low-flying, surface-skimming planes dip into the water before dumping its contents over blazing wildfires. As the wind-driven fires continue across Southern California, officials are pleading with people to not fly drones over wildfire-ravaged areas.

As thousands of displaced families look for a place to stay due to the wildfires, the state has issued a series of protections, including one against price gouging.

On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that will streamline the rebuilding of destroyed homes and businesses.

The order also extends protections against price gouging in Los Angeles County on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services to January 7, 2026.

During a press conference Saturday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office has received reports of hotels, rental properties, and other businesses charging too much for goods and services.

"We should not be engaged in price gouging, whether it's groceries or rent," he said. "We are very serious about this, and the governor's office, on ensuring that there is no price gouging and that anyone engaged in it is held accountable."

READ MORE | California officials warn of price gouging, scams as wildfire victims seek help

As thousands of displaced families look for a place to stay, the state has issued a series of protections, including one against price gouging.

At least 68 people have been arrested in fire evacuation zones, according to law enforcement officials, as police work to secure devastated parts of Los Angeles and firefighters continue to battle wildfires.

The Santa Monica Police Department reported 39 arrests in evacuated areas in its jurisdiction on Saturday night, including 10 for burglary and six for possession of burglary tools.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it recorded 29 arrests -- 25 in the Eaton Fire area north of Pasadena and four in the Palisades Fire area in western Los Angeles.

The Santa Monica Police Department reported 39 arrests in evacuated areas in its jurisdiction on Saturday night, including 10 for burglary and six for possession of burglary tools. None of those arrested lived in the area, the department said.

-ABC News' Marilyn Heck

In addition to homes and businesses, many churches and synagogues were destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

On the first Sunday after the deadly fire, many gathered for special services to help each other heal as one.

Mark Mariscal, who lost his home and is currently staying at the Pasadena Convention Center, spoke with ABC7 during Sunday's service and said despite his loss, he said he remains hopeful.

"This whole process of rebuilding our community ... I don't think we have to do that because Altadena is not rebuilding a community, because Altadena's community has actually just grown from this tragedy," he said. "I think that's probably one of the best messages that people are saying out there when I talk to all the different people. We have grown as a community because of this tragedy. You can't ask for more than that."

READ MORE | SoCal churches unite to bring peace and healing to wildfire victims: 'We've grown as a community'

St. Philip the Apostle Church in Pasadena hosted two churches after many parishioners had to be relocated after losing their homes.