Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman issued a stern warning on Wednesday to those exploiting the chaos of multiple wildfires raging across Southern California. Reports of looting in affected areas have emerged as firefighters work tirelessly to contain blazes, including the massive Pacific Palisades fire.

🚨Just in: 20 people were arrested for allegedly looting homes in evacuated fire zones, the Los Angeles County Supervisor Barger confirms pic.twitter.com/bjYUdGR4e3

— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) January 9, 2025

“While the community rallies to support one another, we are also aware of the individuals who are targeting vulnerable victims to preying on this misfortune, seeking to exploit the vulnerability of those who have already endured so much,” Hochman stated. “Let it be clearly known that those who seek to illegally profit from the pain and suffering of others—whether through looting, fraud, theft, burglary, or any other form of criminal activity—will not go unpunished.”

Hochman emphasized his commitment to prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law. “To those who are enduring hardship, please know that you are not alone,” he added, expressing gratitude to first responders for their tireless efforts.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, speaking at a news briefing Thursday, revealed that at least 20 individuals had been arrested for looting and issued a strong warning to potential imitators.

“Over last night and this morning, we are up to 20 – 20 – individuals who chose to go into our areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much of their property,” Luna said. “Absolutely unacceptable, and I’m going to give direction to our department members… When we have an evacuation order, by law, if you remain in that area, you are guilty of a misdemeanor. If you commit certain crimes, it could jump up to a felony. I’m going to be asking our employees to start enforcing that.”

He added that looting may persist but assured the public that law enforcement is ramping up efforts to prevent such crimes. “We’re not going to tolerate that kind of activity,” Luna said. “We have substantially increased our deployment of deputies.”

Los Angeles County District Attorney @NathanHochmanDA sent me this video from what used to be his sister’s home.

He’s vowing to crack down on looters in L.A. County who are taking advantage of our city’s fire crisis. pic.twitter.com/1P0CdcyKhI

— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) January 9, 2025

The wildfires have claimed the lives of at least five people, according to officials, and forced the evacuation of approximately 130,000 residents.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed that over 7,500 firefighters and support personnel have been dispatched to assist in combating the fires in Los Angeles. Additionally, firefighting resources from neighboring states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and New Mexico, have been deployed to aid in the effort.