After several arrests in recent weeks of people authorities say impersonated firefighters, authorities now say two more people have been taken into custody for trespassing in fire zones posing as members of the media.
According to authorities, the two suspects are suspected of using forged press passes to illegally enter the Palisades fire evacuation area.
California Highway Patrol said in a press statement Sunday that troopers assigned to a road closure due to the Palisades fire came into contact with “two suspicious individuals” who were at separate road closures.
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CHP arrested two people on suspicion of illegally entering the fire evacuation area using fake press passes. (Facebook/California Highway Patrol)
“These individuals entered and exited the closed area using what appeared to be Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) press passes, and their actions aroused suspicion,” the statement continued.
California Highway Patrol troopers confirmed to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department that both press passes were fake and that both individuals in possession of the passes were arrested.
A search of their belongings revealed fraudulent press passes.
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The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced that two Oregon residents have been arrested for impersonating firefighters near the Palisades Fire. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department/AP Photo/Jay C. Hong/AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)
The arrests follow several arrests in recent weeks accused of using deception to gain access to fire zones.
An Oregon couple was arrested Saturday on suspicion of impersonating firefighters after attempting to enter an evacuation zone in a fake fire truck.
A robbery suspect posing as a firefighter was arrested last week, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed in advance to Fox News Digital.
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California Department of Corrections members work on containment lines ahead of the Palisades Fire on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
“These arrests highlight the strength of our partnership with LASD as we work together to secure and protect communities affected by wildfires,” the CHP said in an updated statement.
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“Criminal acts such as illegally entering evacuation zones, forging press passes, and looting will not be tolerated.”
