National Guard troops descended on California on Friday to try to help restore law and order as “despicable’’ looting rocked some areas, leading to at least 20 arrests and a strict overnight curfew.
The guardsmen were seen patrolling the streets and helping residents in areas affected by the devastating blazes, which have become the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has officially requested the support of the California National Guard for both fires,” LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
“They will be assisting us with traffic control and critical infrastructure protection.”
The move will better free up sheriffs and other local authorities to crack down on heartless thieves preying on homes evacuated by the area’s deadly blazes, officials said.
“I promise you, you will be held accountable,” LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said at a Thursday news conference. “Shame on those who are preying on our residents during this time of crisis.”
A curfew of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in zones affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires — including areas boasting multimillion-dollar properties owned by celebrities — was also instituted to help try to gain control of the problem, authorities said.
“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 Thursday.
“You can’t not be in these affected areas,’’ he said. “If you are, you are subject to arrest.’’
At least 20 people have already been busted for looting, the sheriff said.
“For the people who have already been arrested, please know this is not going to end well,” said Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, calling the looters’ actions a “despicable crime.’’
The DA added that members of the public who operate drones during the crisis, interfering with the battle to contain the blazes, “will be arrested, you will be prosecuted, and you will be punished to the full extent of the law.”
The threat came as a firefighting aircraft was struck by one of the unmanned aerial devices, forcing the crucial plane out of action with a damaged wing, officials said.
Hochman said criminals are also already taking advantage of the tragic situation with GoFundMe scams.
“My message to the public is: Beware these scammers. Do not let them take advantage of you,” he said.