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2 looters arrested in wildfire evacuation zone
Sheriff Robert Luna said so far two looters have been arrested as deputies continue to patrol evacuation areas.
LOS ANGELES - Thousands of people have been evacuated across Los Angeles County as firefighters battle four major wildfires that broke out amid a dangerous, life-threatening windstorm.
During a press conference Wednesday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said two looters were arrested Wednesday morning in evacuation zones and issued a stark warning to anyone thinking of committing any further crimes.
"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. "Don't do that! Stay out of these areas. It's only for emergency workers and people who live there."
Further details on the arrests made were not available.
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Multiple massive wildfires tore across the greater Los Angeles area with devastating force early Wednesday, destroying more than 1,000 structures and killing at least two people as desperate residents escaped through flames, ferocious winds and towering clouds of smoke.
In addition to two deaths, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said many others were hurt in the fires, which threatened at least 28,000 structures.
At least 70,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, officials said. The flames marched toward highly populated and affluent neighborhoods home to California’s rich and famous. Hollywood stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore and James Woods, were among those forced to flee.
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Flames were being pushed by Santa Ana winds topping 60 mph in some places Tuesday, increasing to 80 mph by early Wednesday, according to reports received by the National Weather Service. They could top 100 mph in the mountains and foothills, including in areas that have not seen substantial rain in months.
California’s wildfire season typically begins in June or July and runs through October, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, but January wildfires are not unprecedented. There was one in 2022 and 10 in 2021, according to CalFire.
The Source: This story was reported with information from LASD Sheriff Robert Luna and the National Weather Service. The Associated Press contributed.