EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Twenty people have been arrested in the various Los Angeles-area fire zones for allegedly looting in the ravaged areas, authorities said Thursday as they vowed to crack down on any criminal activity tied to the disaster.

What You Need To Know

  • Hundreds of members of the California National Guard were deployed to the Los Angeles area Thursday to assist with law enforcement duties around the array of wildfires burning in the region

  • Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said roughly 400 members of the Guard would be stationed around the region to help with traffic control and to restrict entry into the fire zones
  • Sheriff Luna announced earlier in the day that 20 people had been arrested on suspicion of looting in the various burn areas
  • According to the governor's office, the Guard members "will be stationed at traffic control points to ensure the safety of the surrounding community"

Sheriff Robert Luna said roughly 400 department personnel have been deployed in the fire areas and are patrolling for looters. He said it is a misdemeanor crime for anyone to be in an evacuation area without authorization, and committing a crime in such an area can be a felony. Luna said he is instructing deputies to aggressively enforce those restrictions and arrest people found in the burn areas.

Also on Thursday, hundreds of members of the California National Guard were deployed to the Los Angeles area to assist with law enforcement duties around the array of wildfires burning in the region. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed late Thursday that he had approved the National Guard deployment.

"Thanks to the incredible work of our first responders and emergency personnel, we're throwing everything at our disposal -- including our National Guard servicemembers -- to protect communities in the days to come," Newsom said in a statement. "And to those who would seek to take advantage of evacuated communities, let me be clear: looting will not be tolerated."

According to the governor's office, the Guard members "will be stationed at traffic control points to ensure the safety of the surrounding community. In addition, their support helps build capacity of local law enforcement to support their respective areas."

As the Palisades Fire burned over 17,000 acres across the Pacific Palisades, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman joined Spectrum News this week to talk about what he's experienced during the devastating fire.

Hochman explained that he and his family have evacuated the area and how his sister’s home has “burned to the ground.” 

“I’ve lived here for over 60 years, l’ve never seen something so apocalyptic,” Hochman said.

Despite the great loss in the fire, Hochman talked about the hope he has for the residents in the Pacific Palisades.

“Los Angeles will show it’s grit and resilience," Hochman said.

He also shared a message for any criminals that attempt to loot areas affected by the wildfire: “You will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished to the maximum extent of the law.”

Hochman also released a statement Wednesday night regarding the fires.

"In these trying times, we urge all Angelenos to continue caring for each other. Follow all evacuation orders, stay informed, and reach out to emergency services if you need help. Those who are able to lend a hand to neighbors and strangers alike are showing the true spirit of our community," Hochman said in part in a statement.