Authorities in Los Angeles have arrested approximately 29 individuals in connection with criminal activities related to the ongoing wildfires, including a suspect accused of impersonating a firefighter to commit burglary, officials confirmed on Sunday.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna revealed that 25 of the arrests were made in the area of the Eaton Fire, while four others were linked to the evacuation zone of the Palisades Fire.

Watch a 3 hour Timelapse from the Topanga Peak camera, as the California Wildfire climbs up from the winds, engulfing the whole mountain reaching buildings on top, as the Palisades Fire keeps raging around Los Angeles with 0% containment. pic.twitter.com/49tlr58Vfs

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Sheriff Luna recounted an incident during his visit to the Malibu area: “When I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter. And I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn’t realize we had him in handcuffs. We are turning him over to LAPD because he was dressed like a fireman, and he was not. He just got caught burglarizing a home. So those are issues that our front-line deputies and police officers are dealing with.”

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell detailed additional arrests, noting that one person was apprehended Saturday night for violating a city curfew, while three others were arrested the previous night in connection to a burglary, Fox News reports.

“There were three individuals in a vehicle. They were stopped. They were where they weren’t supposed to be. One had on a fire jacket and a fire hat. And he was additionally arrested for impersonating a firefighter,” McDonnell stated. “We have people who will go to all ends to be able to do what it is they want to do to exploit the victims of this tragedy.”

This is the most insane video of the Pacific Palisades Fire I’ve seen yet

📍 Los Angeles, California

My jaw just dropped…. pic.twitter.com/gR2KyvfxUz

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McDonnell emphasized the importance of the curfew, which remains in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time. “Unless you’re a public safety personnel or some other disaster worker, you have no reason to be at these locations,” he said. “And if you are in those areas, you will be subject to arrest. Enforcing a curfew is an important tool to keep the burn areas and evacuated properties secure, keeping looters out. This effort also helps protect public safety personnel who are operating in darkness in very difficult conditions.”

McDonnell also warned of potential hazards in affected areas, such as downed power lines and toxic materials from burned plastics and composites. Additionally, he urged donors to verify the legitimacy of charities before contributing to wildfire relief efforts.

Sheriff Luna issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to profit from the disaster through scams or burglaries. He stated that he has been in close communication with local, state, and federal prosecutors, who are prepared to aggressively pursue such cases. “They are all eager to prosecute anybody who is taking advantage of our residents during this very difficult time, whether it is a burglary or it is some kind of white-collar crime in a scam or anything that you may be thinking about doing,” Luna said.

At a press conference, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger announced that she had invited President-elect Donald Trump to witness the wildfire devastation firsthand.

“I look forward to welcoming President-elect Trump to our communities so he can see the desperate need, but also the incredible opportunity, hope, and perseverance of our impacted neighbors. It is in seeing this hope that I am confident that our communities will recover and rebuild,” Barger remarked.

Both Barger and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reiterated their ongoing communication with senior officials in the incoming administration. They dismissed suggestions of animosity, emphasizing their focus on collaboration to aid recovery efforts.