California fires: 20 people arrested for looting at destroyed homes looking for jewelry and diamonds

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday that 20 people have been arrested so far for looting during the southern California wildfires.

“Over last night and this morning, we are up to 20 individuals who chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people -- who have been through so much -- of their property. Absolutely unacceptable,” Luna said.

“I'm going to give direction to our department members -- as you know when we have an evacuation order, by law, if you remain in that area, you are guilty of a misdemeanor. If you commit certain crimes, it could jump up to a felony. I'm going to be asking our employees to start enforcing that,” Luna continued.

“That is very different than a curfew. Why? Because it's 24/7. I don't have to wait for the sun to go down or the sun to come up. If you are in one of these areas and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest. I hope that is as clear as I can make it,” Luna added.
At least 5 people have been killed and "several" firefighters and civilians have been injured in the at least four wildfires burning across California on Wednesday.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the two fatalities were caused by the Eaton fire.

Authorities emphasized at the Wednesday press conference that Los Angeles is "not out of danger yet," citing high winds that continue to spread the flames.

Firefighters successfully contained a fifth wildfire in Tyler, California, but four blazes remain surrounding Los Angeles in the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Woodley.
Officials in Los Angeles have closed roughly 100 schools in the city due to wildfire conditions, LA Unified Superintendent Alberto Carvalho confirmed Wednesday.

Carvalho made the announcement at a Wednesday press conference alongside police, firefighters and other state and city officials.

"We make decisions regarding closure of schools in a very methodical and science driven manner. So after a great deal of consultation overnight, with experts looking at the data and considering the fact that air quality conditions deteriorated significantly overnight, we have made the decision to shut down a number of schools, particularly in the eastern part of our school system," Carvalho said.

"As of now, those schools within the boundaries of the area that I will define are closed. This accounts for about 10% of our total schools in our district. About 100 schools out of 1000 schools," he added.
Police have already arrested two people for looting empty homes evacuated due to deadly wildfires in California, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday.

Luna appeared with other state officials at a Wednesday press conference and warned potential looters to stay away from the area.

"It's always sad when I have to say this, but part of our responsibility is to make sure that no one loots or steals from our residents, our community members who are already being impacted," Luna said.

"And I'm sad to report, we made two arrests this morning for looting already. So if you are thinking about coming into any of these areas to steal from our residents, I'm going to tell you something. You're going to be caught, you're going to be arrested, and you're going to be prosecuted. Don't do that. Stay out of these areas. It's only for emergency workers and people who live there," he added.

LA City Police Chief Jim McDonnell echoed Luna in his own remarks Wednesday, telling would-be looters that police are ready to respond "in the strongest way possible."