Los Angeles counties under evacuation orders are under a curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. as authorities step up crackdowns on looters in wildfire-hit areas.
The curfew will remain in effect until the authorities lift this order. Presence in public areas of evacuation zones is prohibited, except for persons involved in firefighting or those seeking medical assistance, according to NBC.
Curfew violators can face fines of up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail.
The move came after California Gov. Gavin Newsom approved Los Angeles County’s request to deploy the National Guard, warning: “To those who would try to take advantage of evacuee communities, let me make it clear — looting will not be tolerated.”
Hundreds of National Guard members have been deployed to bolster the capacity of local law enforcement and ensure security at checkpoints, the governor’s office said in a statement.
At least 20 people were arrested in the county for looting during the fire, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said at a news conference Thursday.
– We will not allow this to continue to happen – Barger said, calling the robbers “opportunists” and adding: “I will not stand by and allow an already traumatic experience to get worse.”
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
