Curfew 'was in effect last night, and it's going to be in effect tonight at 6 pm,' says county Sheriff Robert Luna
A nighttime curfew will remain in effect as massive wildfires continue in Los Angeles, California, county Sheriff Robert Luna said Friday.
"A curfew order has been established for the Palisades and Eaton fire areas in all mandatory evacuation zones," Luna told a joint news conference with LA Mayor Karen Bass and county officials, who gave updates on the fires, which have raged out of control and destroyed thousands of homes.
He said the curfew "was in effect last night, and it's going to be in effect tonight at 6 pm."
Warning that anyone who violates the curfew could be fined or face jail time, Luna said: "This curfew will be strictly enforced and is being taken to enhance public safety, protect property and prevent any burglaries or looting in the area that the residents have evacuated."
He also reported that approximately 57,830 structures are at risk due to the wildfires, and announced that additional guard personnel are set to arrive in the next 12 to 24 hours.
Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Dominic Choi said that at least 210 officers have been deployed to maintain "law and order" in areas affected by the fires.
"We're patrolling these areas to deter criminal activity and to continue to ensure public safety," Choi said, adding that "looting has zero tolerance."
"Anybody caught looting or committing crimes in the affected areas will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he added.
-Drone hits firefighting aircraft
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Maroney reported a drone incursion Thursday around the Palisades fire, saying it hit the wing of firefighting aircraft.
"Everyone should know, flying a drone in the fire area is not only dangerous but it's illegal," he warned.
"If you fly a drone at one of these brush fires, all aerial operations will be shut down,” he added.
Maroney added that the Eaton Fire is approximately 3% contained.
Kristen Crowley of the Los Angeles City Fire Department reported that the Palisades Fire is now 8% contained, adding: "When gusts are expected to increase in daylight hours that will test our containment lines."
Crowley also reported that the Hurst Fire is now 37% contained and announced that "all evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted."
She said the Kenneth Fire is also "stopped with 35% containment at 1,000 acres (approx. 4 square km)" and reported that the evacuation orders also been lifted.
LA Bass pledged to keep residents of Los Angeles safe and "to protect against anyone thinking of taking advantage of this tragedy."
"We are already putting plans in place to make sure that we aggressively rebuild," he announced, and urged for an end to all "red tape bureaucracy."
