Tuesday, January 21, 2025

LA Sheriff Boosts Patrols in Altadena Fire Zone to Support Recovery, Ensure Community Safety

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is intensifying its efforts to provide comprehensive support to the Altadena Eaton Fire burn area, reflecting a strategic shift in its operations to address the community’s evolving needs. This transition marks a move from strictly enforced containment measures, characterized by hard closures, to a mission focused on community support. The Department is prioritizing the safety and recovery of residents as they begin to return to their homes and neighborhoods, many of which have been significantly impacted by the fire.

To address the increased demand for security and assistance, LASD has established a specialized Looter Suppression Team. This dedicated unit is composed of personnel drawn from multiple LASD divisions, each bringing specialized expertise to combat looting and other criminal activities that can arise during times of community vulnerability. The team will operate with additional deputy personnel assigned to increase patrol operations.

AERO Bureau will also support these efforts by conducting aerial patrols, providing enhanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities to ensure comprehensive coverage of the affected areas. Together, these efforts ensure continuous 24-hour patrolling to provide a consistent and visible law enforcement presence, particularly in neighborhoods still dealing with utility outages and heightened security risks.

The curfew order issued by Los Angeles County remains in effect; however, its scope has been adjusted to align with the current status of evacuation zones. The curfew is now limited to areas under active evacuation orders, while those under evacuation warnings are no longer subject to these restrictions. LASD urges residents to remain informed about the status of closures and updates by visiting protect.genasys.com.

As residents return to their properties, LASD is committed to assisting them during this challenging period. The Department’s efforts aim to facilitate a smooth transition back to normalcy by ensuring safety, preventing criminal activity, and reassuring the community.

The LASD extends its gratitude to the residents of Altadena for their patience, resilience, and cooperation during these difficult times. The Department remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of all communities across Los Angeles County as recovery efforts continue.