The California National Guard has boots on the ground tonight in the fight against the fires ravaging L.A. County and preying looters.
Armored vehicles were seen on the 210-freeway late Thursday traveling towards the Eaton Fire that has torn through Pasadena and Altadena the past several days forcing thousands to evacuate and burning homes and other buildings to the ground.
Having started on January 7, the Eaton Fire has charred almost 14,000 acres with 0% containment as of tonight. With the region now under a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for areas under mandatory evacuation orders, areas in the County, the 400 troops deployed will make a dedicated effort to clamp down on empty homes and businesses being robbed.
There have been 20 arrests of looters in evacuation zones so far, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said in a press conference today. “You will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the Sheriff said Thursday of looters and those scamming residents of burnt communities
Initially the Guard troops will be in place around the Eaton Fire and the devastating Palisades Fire.
However, those orders could take on other municipalities and neighborhoods battling other fires over the next few days depending on the need, a law enforcement source tells Deadline.