Update, 2:25 p.m.: Gavin Newsom explained today that there are more boots on the ground in Los Angeles to stop crime amid fires that have reduced large swaths of the county to ashes.
Two days after about 400 National Guard troops were deployed for the first time to confront looters and wildfires burning across the county, the governor announced that CalGuard’s presence in the region would be bolstered to 1,680 service members.
“We continue to rush resources to quickly respond to the Los Angeles firestorm fueled by hurricane-force winds,” Newsom, who was among the officials who received backlash for much of the defense in the face of widespread, devastating fires, said Saturday. It happened. “The men and women of the California National Guard work day and night to help the people of Los Angeles during their greatest time of need. We are grateful for their continued courage and commitment to serving others.”
As old and new fires rage on due to Santa Ana winds and potential arsonists, today’s additional activation makes it crystal clear one of the top priorities besides fire suppression is for the millions of county residents and tens of thousands of burning acres hit by the fires. Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and others in the past five days. Of the more than 1,600 CalGuard personnel now on the streets of Los Angeles County, 1,000 are part of military police forces, i.e. Guard cops.
With dozens of arrests and citizens reporting suspicious individuals stalking residences, looting and crime have become a major concern for overworked law enforcement. As in past situations such as the unrest following the sentencing of Rodney King in 1992, heavily armed guards are in place as the ultimate deterrent.
In addition, Newsom took to social media on Saturday to respond to claims by Elon Musk and others about the fires and the ability to contain them:
As for 2025, besides these people trying to take advantage of the terrible conditions, the winds are not particularly letting up. Northerly to northeasterly winds are likely to increase during the day, with larger fire warnings coming into effect at around 6pm on Saturday. This warning will remain in effect until Sunday evening. After a period of respite, winds are expected to blow strongly again Monday and Wednesday with winds reaching up to 45 mph.
Previously, January. 9 11:59 PM: The California National Guard had troops on the ground Thursday night in the battle against fires sweeping Los Angeles County and looters.
Armored vehicles were seen on Interstate 210 late tonight heading toward the Eaton Fire that has torn through Pasadena and Altadena in the past few days, forcing thousands to evacuate and burning homes and other buildings to the ground.
Since the Eaton Fire started Tuesday, it has charred nearly 14,000 acres with 0% containment as of tonight. With a curfew now in place from 6pm to 6am in areas under mandatory evacuation orders, the 400 deployed troops will make a sincere effort to clamp down on empty homes and businesses being robbed.
RELATED: Los Angeles wildfires: 10 people confirmed dead as firefighters work to contain blazes amid calmer winds
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in a press conference today that 20 thieves have been arrested in evacuation zones so far. “You will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said, referring to thieves and defrauders of residents of the affected communities.
Initially, guard forces will be in place around the Eaton Fire and the devastating Palisades Fire. However, these orders could include other municipalities and neighborhoods over the next few days as needed, a law enforcement source told Deadline.
Under criticism for waiting too long to bring the Guard into the streets and not approving the county’s request until Thursday afternoon, California Gov. Gavin Newsom tonight made sure the show of force was well known.
As the Sunset Fire contained itself around the Hollywood Hills late Wednesday, a new fire broke out in Calabasas and the Hidden Hills Thursday afternoon. Now called the Kenneth Fire, the flames were boosted by Santa Ana winds and had torn through nearly 1,000 acres by 5:30 PM today. Although Friday is a red flag warning day in the county, winds are expected to subside by mid-morning, a significant decrease from the 100 mph winds earlier this week.
A suspect was taken in for questioning by LAPD today for possible arson of Kenneth.
Six fires struck Los Angeles County as Santa Ana winds swept through the region this week. The fires have destroyed tens of thousands of acres, killed 10 people, and damaged or destroyed thousands of homes and buildings.
