ALTADENA, CA – A curfew has descended upon Altadena as the National Guard patrols evacuation zones, a move prompted by concerns over looting amid the ongoing wildfires. The curfew, which began at 6 p.m. and extends until 6 a.m. the following morning, restricts access to emergency personnel and credentialed media within the evacuation area.
The decision to enforce the curfew comes in the wake of 20 arrests related to looting in the areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Residents like Doug Rogers have witnessed firsthand the devastation and chaos brought by these blazes. On Wednesday morning, as the flames raged in Altadena, Rogers stayed behind, determined to protect his home and those of his neighbors. A nurse by profession, Rogers fought the fire with buckets of water from his spa, managing to save four homes on his block.
Rogers expressed a mix of emotions as he surveyed the aftermath. While grateful for his home’s survival, he empathized deeply with those who lost everything. The prospect of returning to a home spared by fire only to find belongings stolen was a haunting thought for him and others in the community.
The presence of the California National Guard provides a sense of security to residents worried about looting in the evacuated areas. They are stationed at roadblocks and intersections, ensuring that the community remains safe from opportunistic thefts. The sight of military vehicles patrolling the streets, while unsettling to some, brings reassurance to those who have chosen to stay behind.
This deployment is reminiscent of past incidents, such as the 2017 fires in Santa Rosa, where the National Guard also played a crucial role in maintaining order. The collaborative efforts of local law enforcement and the National Guard are a testament to the seriousness with which authorities are treating the situation.
As night falls, the usually bustling neighborhoods are eerily quiet under the curfew. The stillness is punctuated by the absence of wind, a stark contrast to the fierce gusts that fueled the fires just days ago. The red flag warnings have expired, leaving a surreal calm in their wake.
For those who have experienced the devastation of wildfires before, like the crews from Santa Rosa, the scene is all too familiar. Downed trees and damaged roofs tell a tale of the intense winds that swept through the area, leaving destruction in their path.
The community, though shaken, stands resilient. With the support of state and national resources, Altadena is determined to rebuild and recover, ensuring that its residents are protected from both flames and theft.