Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department provide an update on looting in fire areas
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department held a news conference with an update on looting and the prosecution of looters.
Officials said they've received reports of a lot of looting in the areas affected by CZU Lightning Complex fires area.
Sunday morning, Cal Fire CZU shared someone stole a firefighter's wallet and drained their bank account while they were out directing crews.
"It takes a special person to wake up in the morning and say 'You know what, I'm going to victimize and traumatize people who have already been through everything that this community has been through'," said Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart.
All inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. #CZULightningComplex pic.twitter.com/u8PFPfmOk8
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) August 23, 2020
Cal Fire warned of a fake GoFundMe account going around claiming to be raising money for the firefighter.
WARNING: A GoFundMe account is circulating, purporting to be established in support of the CAL FIRE employee who's personal belongings were stolen recently. This account is not associated with CAL FIRE, or anyone connected to the department. Please use caution if donating. pic.twitter.com/2Efehq4LxO
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) August 23, 2020
The CZU Lightning Complex fires have burned 71,000 acres and destroyed 115 acres. The fires are 8% contained and 24,323 structures remained threatened, Cal Fire announced Sunday morning.
Approximately 77,000 people have been evacuated.
