Los Angeles wildfires: Armed homeowners patrol for looters inside evacuation zone

In the Altadena community of Los Angeles, determined homeowners are standing their ground to protect their homes amidst the devastating wildfires. They have refused to leave their homes, despite police barricades and evacuation orders.

Law enforcement officials have made multiple arrests related to looting and arson in the area. Prosecutors in Los Angeles and Orange County are urging the governor to impose stricter punishments for those involved in looting.

Ignoring evacuation orders, Mike Leroy and Billy Theodorakopoulos told Fox News Digital they were protecting their neighborhood against looters.

The pair said they were hoping more of their neighbors would join them.

“We are calling on neighbors to return to their homes to provide us with some relief,” said Theodorakopoulos. “With just six of us covering a three-block radius, we are stretched thin and need more support to safeguard the neighborhood.”

Earlier this week, a local lawyer named Aaron Lubeley told the Wall Street Journal his well-off neighborhood suddenly felt grittier as friends from outside the perimeter dropped off supplies to holdouts like himself who were defying evacuation orders.

Aaron Lubeley greets a neighbor

Aaron Lubeley greets a neighbor who picked up milk outside his burned home and supplies he set out for people affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Jan. 14, 2025. (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

“We do feel like we’re in the Wild West,” he told the paper. 

The fires have killed at least 24 people in just over a week. Authorities say they expect to discover more fatalities.

Compounding the issue are looters and arsonists. 

Evacuation orders are mandatory, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, while evacuation warnings are advisory. Authorities are urging residents to be packed and ready to move with their pets and important papers.

Fox News’ Max Bacall contributed to this report.

You May Also Like
Power Plays: Alaska Democrats Are Trying To Find an Election Mary Peltola Can Win

Alaska Democrats Striving to Secure a Winning Election for Mary Peltola

Alaska has an interesting political landscape. Historically, we have consistently supported Republican…
Trump urged to review UN immunity, lax visa rules amid national security concerns

Request for Trump to reassess UN immunity and relaxed visa regulations due to national security worries

An agreement from 1947 that specifies the responsibilities of the United Nations…
Chicago attorney Rachel Cohen resigns in protest after law firm Skadden Law makes deal with Trump administration

Rachel Cohen, a lawyer from Chicago, steps down in objection following Skadden Law firm’s agreement with the Trump administration.

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago attorney is opposing the efforts of President…
‘The Monkey’ Comes to Digital, But When Will ‘The Monkey’ Movie Be Streaming?

When Will ‘The Monkey’ Movie Be Available for Streaming?

Hollywood continues to benefit from the steady supply of horror stories from…
Motorcyclist dragged in road rage incident in Southern California caught on video

Video captures road rage incident in Southern California where a motorcyclist is dragged

In Riverside, California, a motorcyclist’s helmet camera captured a frightening incident of…
Opinion: Canadian Prime Minister Carney Responds to American Tariffs From Trump, and So It Begins

Canadian Prime Minister Carney Reacts to Trump’s Tariffs – Let the Trade Dispute Begin

Throughout the almost 250-year history of this country, there have been numerous…
Inside Elon Musk's dangerous battles with Trump's 'Ice Maiden' before he sensationally stepped down from DOGE

Elon Musk’s intense conflicts with Trump’s ‘Ice Maiden’ before he surprisingly left DOGE

In the realm of Donald Trump’s administration, Elon Musk’s quest for unrestrained…
Yankees legend Brett Gardner's son's cause of death finally confirmed and case closed after toxicology report

Toxicology Report Confirms Cause of Death for Brett Gardner’s Son

Costa Rican authorities have confirmed once and for all that Brett Gardner’s…
Brick-wielding woman bashes Tesla as Boston police hunt suspected street menace

“Woman wielding brick damages Tesla in Boston as police search for suspect”

The Boston Police Department (BPD) is seeking assistance from the public to…
A-lister makes shock transformation into killer Alex Murdaugh as he's seen for first time filming new drama

Famous actor transforms into character Alex Murdaugh for new TV show

Popular actor Jason Clarke underwent a striking transformation to portray family murderer…
Phineas and Ferb are making a return to Disney Channel with a brand new season

“Phineas and Ferb Returning to Disney Channel with Exciting New Season”

Mom! Phineas and Ferb are making a return to Disney Channel with…
What Time Is ‘Doctor Odyssey’ On Tonight? How To Watch Ava Phillippe, Paris Jackson, And Charlotte Lawrence’s New Episode

When Does ‘Doctor Odyssey’ Air Tonight? Ways to Watch the Latest Episode Starring Ava Phillippe, Paris Jackson, and Charlotte Lawrence

Time to set sail for another episode of Doctor Odyssey, this time…