In recent weeks, officials have apprehended individuals masquerading as firefighters and now report two more individuals have been arrested for posing as members of the media to gain entry into a fire zone.
The two suspects allegedly created fake press passes to enter a Palisades Fire evacuation zone unlawfully.
California Highway Patrol stated in a press release on Sunday that officers at road closures for the Palisades Fire encountered “two suspicious individuals” at different locations.
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CHP arrested two individuals accused of using forged press passes to unlawfully enter a fire evacuation zone. (Facebook/California Highway Patrol)
“These individuals had been coming and going from the closures while using what appeared to be Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) press passes, and their behavior raised suspicion,” the statement continued.
California Highway Patrol officers confirmed with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department that the press passes were both fake, and both individuals carrying the passes were arrested.
A search of their belongings revealed more fraudulent press passes.
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The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said two individuals from Oregon have been arrested for impersonating firefighters near the Palisades Fire. (Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept./AP Photo/Jae C. Hong/AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)
The recent arrests follow previous incidents where individuals tried to enter fire zones by deceit. An Oregon couple was arrested for pretending to be firefighters with a fake firetruck. Additionally, a burglary suspect disguised as a firefighter was apprehended by the Los Angeles Police Department.
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A California Department of Corrections hand crew works containment lines ahead of the Palisades Fire Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
“These arrests underscore the strength of our partnership with LASD as we work together to secure and protect the communities affected by the wildfires,” CHP said in the latest statement.
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“Criminal activities such as unlawful entry into evacuation zones, forging press passes, and looting will not be tolerated.”
