Sheriff Robert Luna of Los Angeles County outlined a number of steps on Thursday to increase security in communities that have been evacuated due to destructive fires in the area. Nearly the past three days, nearly 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of looting.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has officially requested the support of the California National Guard for both fires,” Luna said that they will be assisting them with traffic control and critical infrastructure protection.
He added that they will help and send a stronger message, keep people out of the impacted areas, so we don’t continuously victimize the people who have already been victimized.
Luna stated that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has formally asked the California National Guard for assistance for both fires. They will be helping us protect vital infrastructure and manage traffic.
A curfew that would be in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. “within the specific impacted areas around the two fire areas,” the sheriff added, referring to the Eaton fire that started in Altadena and the Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades. By Thursday night, he hoped to have it in place, but by Friday night, he was certain.
The purpose of the curfew, according to L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, was to maintain public safety rather than to penalize locals. The Altadena Town Council requested the curfew, she claimed.
During a press conference on Thursday, it was reported that Sheriff’s deputies had made arrests in evacuation zones.
She warned.that those involved will not be set free. Shame on those who are taking advantage of our residents in this emergency,” she said.
