At least 20 people suspected of looting during LA fires

  • More than 100,000 Los Angeles-area residents evacuated
  • Homes and businesses have been left vulnerable
  • Authorities planning to increase enforcement
A home on fire during the Palisades Fire

A fire burns homes on the Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful windstorm on Jan. 8, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

Want to see more of NewsNation? Get 24/7 fact-based news coverage with the NewsNation app or add NewsNation as a preferred source on Google!

(NewsNation) — At least 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of looting during the Los Angeles-area wildfires, authorities announced Thursday.

Multiple wildfires have swept through the area, forcing more than 100,000 residents to be evacuated. More than 29,000 acres have burned, and at least five people have died.

With so many people displaced, homes and businesses have been left vulnerable.

Authorities have issued a stern message to those who would take advantage.

“You will be arrested,” said District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “You will be prosecuted, and you will be punished to the full extent of the law.”

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said he has increased enforcement in evacuation zones using roving patrols and hard road closers.

Those found in an evacuation area could face misdemeanor charges and felony charges if they are caught looting.

No additional details about the arrests were released.

West

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.