Authorities in Los Angeles have arrested at least 20 individuals suspected of looting abandoned properties as devastating wildfires rage across the region. Officials vow to hold offenders accountable, even as the fires leave thousands displaced and homes in ruins.
BY PC Bureau
As Los Angeles residents fled the relentless wildfires and mourned devastating losses, heartless looters seized the chaos to target evacuated properties. Authorities have arrested at least 20 individuals suspected of looting during the ongoing crisis, Los Angeles County officials confirmed.
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, speaking at a Thursday news conference, issued a stern warning: “Shame on those who are preying on our residents during this time of crisis. I promise you, you will be held accountable.”
Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized his department’s commitment to maintaining order, stating, “We’re up to 20 arrests of individuals who chose to deprive these suffering residents of their property. Deputies will continue roving patrols, monitor road closures, and provide security to prevent looting and other criminal activity.” Luna also reminded residents that staying in mandatory evacuation zones is illegal, and crimes committed under these circumstances could escalate to felony charges.
JUST IN
LA County Supervisor Barger confirms that 20 people have been arrested for looting homes in evacuated fire zones – ABC7
Absolutely evil. pic.twitter.com/CSwuB7nKnc
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 9, 2025
District Attorney Nathan Hochman reinforced the tough stance, vowing to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law. “Whether it’s looting, burglary, grand theft, or internet scams exploiting people during this crisis, you will be arrested, prosecuted, and punished,” he said.
Wildfires’ Devastation Escalates
The fires, described as the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, have killed at least five people, displaced over 130,000 residents, and left iconic neighborhoods and landmarks in ashes. Among the victims is Victor Shaw, 66, who tragically died clutching a garden hose in a futile attempt to save his home.
People are caught lighting fires in areas of LA!
Arsonists in plain sight! This is crazy! pic.twitter.com/AarErCjXlS
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) January 9, 2025
High winds and dry conditions have rendered efforts to contain the fires almost futile. The Palisades and Eaton Fires remain uncontained, with a combined footprint exceeding 17,000 acres. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, including homes, schools, and businesses along Sunset Boulevard.
A fire ecologist described the destruction as unprecedented, stating, “Entire neighborhoods have been wiped out.” Celebrities, including Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, and Paris Hilton, have lost their multi-million-dollar mansions, adding to the growing criticism of city officials for inadequate disaster preparedness.
Limited Relief Amid Grim Outlook
While firefighters received a slight reprieve with the fire weather outlook downgraded from “extremely critical” to “critical,” the forecast offers little hope. BBC meteorologist Sarah Keith-Lucas noted that no rain is expected in the coming week, leaving conditions ripe for the fires to spread further.
The crisis has also caused mass disruption, forcing the closure of schools, including UCLA, and creating severe traffic congestion. Meanwhile, a political row over the city’s preparedness has intensified, with reports of firefighters’ hoses running dry during the battle against the flames.
The combination of natural disaster and criminal exploitation has left Los Angeles reeling, but officials remain steadfast in their efforts to restore safety and hold those who exploit the tragedy accountable.
