LOS ANGELES – Four major wildfires driven by life-threatening Santa Ana winds have forced the evacuation of more than 70,000 residents across Los Angeles County, FOX 11 Los Angeles reported. The fires, which erupted amid a powerful windstorm, have destroyed over 1,000 structures and claimed at least five lives.
Flames, propelled by winds exceeding 80 mph, tore through parched landscapes and moved dangerously close to affluent neighborhoods, including those home to Hollywood celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore and James Woods, who were forced to flee, according to the report.
At least 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of looting in evacuation zones, L.A. Supervisor Kathryn Barger said during a press conference on Jan. 9.
L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that deputies will maintain roving patrols, oversee road closures and ensure security to deter looting and other criminal activities.
“If you are thinking of coming into any of these areas to steal from our residents, you’re going to get caught, you’re going to be arrested, and you’re going to be prosecuted,” Luna said at a press conference on Jan. 8. “Don’t do that! Stay out of these areas. It’s only for emergency workers and people who live there.”
Luna also provided updates on the LASD’s handling of humanitarian aid.
“I have deputies dropping off food, blankets and other things to people who have either been evacuated, or who just need somebody to talk to, and frankly, just give a hug to,” he said.
Pasadena Police Department Chief Eugene Harris said on Jan. 8 that officers would transition from helping with evacuation efforts to community care. He also warned against going near affected areas without a “righteous reason.”
“The idea here is we want to make sure we protect the people in this community [and] protect the sanctity of these peoples’ homes, and we will do that without fail,” Harris said.
KCAL reported that LAPD officers have been sent to mandatory evacuation zones in the Hollywood Hills area to deter looters. Reporters stated that they witnessed individuals on scooters approaching the neighborhood, but turning around when they saw cruisers.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman also shared a strong message against anyone who chose to take advantage of the tragedy.
“Let me be clear: if you think about exploiting this crisis to steal from our residents, you will be caught, arrestedand prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated. “We will not tolerate criminal behavior that further harms our community during this difficult time.”
