Reports from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or local news outlets

Man Dressed as Firefighter Among 29 Arrested in Los Angeles Wildfire Zones Amid Curfew

Jan 12, 2025, 08:33 PM

In Los Angeles, amid ongoing wildfires, a man dressed as a firefighter was arrested for burglarizing a home in the Malibu area, part of the Palisades Fire evacuation zone. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported the incident, noting that the man was initially mistaken for an actual firefighter. The arrest was one of approximately 29 made in connection with criminal activities in the wildfire-affected areas, with 25 arrests related to the Eaton Fire and four to the Palisades Fire. The man was also charged with impersonating a firefighter. The county has enforced a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the mandatory evacuation zones to prevent looting and ensure safety. Only authorized personnel such as firefighters, utility workers, and law enforcement are allowed in these areas during curfew hours. Some of the arrests included charges for curfew violations, carrying a concealed firearm, and narcotics-related crimes.