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Los Angeles wildfires: National Guard steps in as looting arrests rise

By
Published  January 9, 2025 7:05pm MST
Wildfires
FOX TV Digital Team

'If you stay you're gonna die': Schiff warns to evacuate

Congressman Adam Schiff issued a stern warning to those in a fire evacuation zone who choose to not evacuate.

The Brief

    • National Guard deployed for fire response, traffic control, and protection.
    • 20 arrests reported for looting in evacuation zones.
    • Nearly 180,000 residents remain under evacuation orders.

LOS ANGELES - California Governor Gavin Newsom has mobilized 400 National Guard troops to assist with the escalating wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County. The troops are tasked with traffic control, protecting critical infrastructure, and supporting law enforcement and first responders as fires continue to ravage the region.

The move comes as law enforcement confirmed 20 arrests for looting in evacuation zones. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned looters that patrols are being stepped up to prevent further criminal activity. "You will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Luna said during a press briefing.

Resource challenges and response

The National Guard deployment coincides with the mobilization of 140 additional water tanker trucks to aid firefighting efforts in areas where hydrant pressure remains low. Late Wednesday, many of these trucks began arriving at incident command posts for the Eaton Canyon and Pacific Palisades fires.

Officials say unprecedented Santa Ana winds, some exceeding 100 mph, delayed air support earlier this week, further complicating efforts to contain the blazes. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley noted that resources have been stretched thin but emphasized progress now that winds have subsided.

FILE - Police take security measures at the street during Eaton wildfire in Altadena of Los Angeles County, California, United States on January 9, 2025. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Federal assistance and disaster declaration

President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California, waiving cost-sharing requirements for 180 days. Federal support includes 400 firefighters, 30 aircraft, and hundreds of ground-clearing personnel.

"The damage is catastrophic," Biden said during a briefing. "Spare no expense in protecting Californians and their communities."

Evacuations and public safety

Nearly 180,000 residents remain under evacuation orders as wildfires continue to spread across Los Angeles County. Law enforcement is maintaining roadblocks and patrols in affected areas, and residents are urged to comply with evacuation directives.

For real-time updates on the fires and evacuation zones, visit fire.ca.gov.

The Source: 

Reporting from Governor Newsom’s office, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department briefings, and the Associated Press.

WildfiresCrime and Public SafetyNewsCaliforniaNews