The city of Los Angeles called in the California National Guard on Thursday as out-of-control wildfires continue to ravage the metropolitan area.
Its forces are tasked with preventing looting and possible civil unrest, as well as assisting first responders in carrying out their missions.
As reported by Breitbart News, the wildfires that have ravaged large swaths of Los Angeles have now claimed 10 lives and destroyed about 10,000 structures, and dry desert winds continued Friday. Five fires are still burning as people continue to fan the flames.
Estimates of the damage and economic losses already caused by the devastating fires range from $135 billion to $150 billion.
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There have been no reports of violence so far, but there have been scenes of looters seeking to take advantage of the increasingly fragile urban environment.
“To those who seek to take advantage of evacuated areas, let me be clear: Looting will not be tolerated,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said. statement On Thursday, he announced the deployment of 400 National Guard troops.
The military has 8,000 personnel on the ground responding to disasters.
UPI report At least 20 looters have already been arrested, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed at a press conference.
“You will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he warned, advising the public not to exploit the situation for personal gain.
So did Kathryn Berger, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. blamed the surge in robberies.
“Shame on those who are preying on residents during this time of crisis,” she said.
