California police say they arrested two looters in a wildfire evacuation zone and issued a warning to anyone thinking of trying to take advantage of the unfolding disaster after previously announcing that they "received no information regarding criminal activity".
Earlier in the day the police posted a statement on X dispelling rumors of looters. But with the arrest of two people, police issued a stern warning to the public.
The LAPD remains vigilant during the ongoing fires throughout the City of LA and has deployed officers for high visibility patrol during the tactical alert. At this time, we have received no information regarding looting or other criminal activity in the affected areas.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) January 8, 2025
"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," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said, according to Fox-11. "Don't do that! Stay out of these areas. It's only for emergency workers and people who live there."
So far the fires have destroyed more than 1,000 structures and killed two. There are currently three major fires, according to the Associated Press:
- Palisades fire, west of Los Angeles
- Eaton fire, north of Pasadena
- Hurst fire, in the San Fernando Valley
The Los Angeles area has been hit hard by wildfires being fueled by the Santa Ana winds. The winds are dry, warm northeast winds that blow from the interior of Southern California toward the coast. This is the opposite direction of normal air flow that usually carries moist air inland from the Pacific, the Associated Press reported.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told Fox that the fires are threatening at least 28,000 structures and that more than 70,000 residents have been told to evacuate.
Fox reported that the Santa Ana wind gusts topped 60 mph in some places Tuesday and increased to 80 mph early Wednesday. The station reported that some areas in the mountains and foothills have not had substantial rain in months.
