The devastating fires in Los Angeles could spread explosively due to stronger winds through Wednesday, with the US Weather Service warning of ‘extreme’ fire danger. So far, 24 people have died in the flames. In the meantime, the Public Prosecution Service is fighting suspected looters and burglars.
Prosecutor Nathan Hochman said at a press conference that anyone who takes advantage of the “tragic” situation caused by the fire disaster will receive the harshest possible punishment. Charges have already been filed against ten arrested suspects.
In nine cases, the charges revolve around burglaries and looting of homes in evacuation zones. Two of the defendants together allegedly stole stolen property worth more than $200,000. Both have criminal records, so if convicted they could face lengthy prison sentences, Hochman said.
Here Hochman was sworn in as prosecutor by Arnold Schwarzenegger:
A man has been charged with arson. He allegedly tried to set fire to a fallen tree in a park in the city of Azusa, east of Pasadena — without causing a major fire. If convicted, he could face up to nine years in prison, authorities said.
15,000 helpers deployed in danger zones
With a large contingent of helpers, authorities in Southern California continue their offensive against the horrific fires. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the mobilization of an additional 300 firefighters. This means that more than 15,000 first responders have now been deployed to the danger zones, Newsom said.
At the same time, authorities reported progress in fighting the fire. The Palisades Fire, which has destroyed large parts of Pacific Palisades on the western edge of Los Angeles, is now 14 percent contained. According to the fire brigade, this fire has hardly spread in recent hours. Within a week, however, the flames had charred an area of almost 96 square kilometers. The ‘Eaton Fire’ near Pasadena and Altadena northeast of Los Angeles was already 33 percent contained.
“Marshall Plan” for Los Angeles
Governor Newsom would like to provide additional funding for the expensive and lengthy reconstruction of the devastated areas. The Democrat announced Monday that government funding would amount to at least $2.5 billion. “California will organize a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and better,” Newsom said. The Marshall Plan was a program launched by the United States after World War II to rebuild Europe.
Newsom estimates it could take six to nine months to clear rubble from the destroyed streets
Source: Krone
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