LOS ANGELES, CA – A nightly curfew has been enforced in areas under mandatory evacuation orders due to the ongoing devastation caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced on Friday. The curfew, in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., prohibits anyone without authorization from entering affected zones. Violators face potential misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, and possible jail time.
The curfew was implemented following reports of looting in the evacuation zones, with 20 individuals arrested for allegedly targeting properties left behind by evacuees. Sheriff Luna called these actions “absolutely unacceptable” during a morning briefing, stressing the importance of keeping unauthorized individuals out of the restricted areas.
“You cannot be in these affected areas,” Luna stated. “If you are, you are subject to arrest. This is not about inconvenience; it’s about protecting the homes and structures of people who were forced to leave due to safety concerns.”
Only disaster response workers and properly credentialed media will be allowed access to these areas, the sheriff confirmed. Additionally, he emphasized that arrests for curfew violations would result in booking rather than citations, underscoring a strict no-tolerance approach. “We’re not screwing around with this,” Luna said.
The curfew is part of broader efforts to secure fire-stricken neighborhoods, with 500 sheriff’s department personnel actively patrolling evacuation zones for looters, enforcing traffic controls, and maintaining order. To further bolster security, members of the California National Guard have been deployed to assist in affected areas, including cities like Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Arcadia, which have requested additional support.
“National Guard members will be stationed at key traffic control points to ensure community safety and allow law enforcement to focus on other critical duties,” the governor’s office confirmed.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman echoed the sheriff’s sentiments, warning those contemplating criminal acts within evacuation zones. “These criminals need to hear an unmistakably clear message: If you loot, commit burglary, or grand theft, you will be arrested, prosecuted, and punished to the full extent of the law,” Hochman said. “These acts are despicable.”
The Palisades Fire, which has destroyed thousands of structures, and the Eaton Fire, which has claimed multiple lives and burned thousands of acres, continue to challenge firefighters and emergency personnel. With additional Guard members set to arrive in the coming hours, authorities hope to reinforce their efforts in managing the disaster and protecting evacuees’ properties.
