Los Angeles Battling Wildfires and Looting Simultaneously

 Los Angeles Battling Wildfires and Looting Simultaneously

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, USA, remain out of control even after a week. With rising wind speeds, the flames are spreading further, creating a dire situation, reports BBC.

Residents of affected areas are fleeing their homes and businesses to save their lives, but the chaos has opened the door for widespread looting and theft.

Looting Amid Wildfires

Police have arrested ten more individuals involved in looting in the wildfire-hit regions. Among them, three face accusations of stealing goods worth over $200,000, according to Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

In the past few days, at least 39 individuals have been detained for looting. Authorities have warned that those convicted could face years in prison. Reports of theft and looting continue to pour in from various locations, prompting stricter measures from local authorities.

Law enforcement has cautioned against exploiting the vulnerability of those who have already lost everything to the wildfires. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in affected areas, strictly enforcing evacuation orders. Violators of the curfew may face fines of up to $1,000.

Disguises Used for Looting

Some looters have reportedly disguised themselves to gain access to restricted areas. Police revealed that at least two individuals were caught posing as firefighters while attempting to loot properties.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has urged everyone to remain vigilant. Speaking at a press conference, he shared an incident where a man dressed as a firefighter was caught looting a home in Malibu. "I initially thought he was a firefighter. But upon questioning, it became clear that he wasn’t. He was promptly arrested," Sheriff Luna said.

To curb the looting, additional law enforcement and National Guard troops have been deployed in the affected areas. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of 1,000 additional National Guard members to assist the existing 400 personnel on duty.

Fighting the Fires

Currently, over 14,000 firefighters, supported by 84 aircraft and 1,354 fire engines, are battling the fires in Southern California. Despite their efforts, some areas remain uncontrolled. In Palisades, the fire has engulfed approximately 23,713 acres, while in Eaton, around 14,117 acres have been destroyed.

More than 105,000 people have been evacuated, and an additional 87,000 are under evacuation warnings.

Rising Winds Worsen the Situation

Wind speeds in Los Angeles are increasing, raising fears that the wildfires could spread to new areas. Weather forecasts predict winds of up to 96 kilometers per hour by Wednesday, further complicating firefighting efforts.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that urgent measures are being taken to minimize loss of life and property. Fire departments from neighboring states are also assisting local authorities in controlling the fires.

Casualties and Damages

So far, authorities have confirmed 24 deaths due to the wildfires, with 16 bodies recovered in Eaton and eight in Palisades. At least 23 more individuals remain missing in the two areas.

Local residents have reported significant losses, with hundreds of families left homeless in Palisades. Efforts to control the fires continue, but the combination of natural disaster and human exploitation has created an unprecedented challenge for Los Angeles.