‘It’s Sickening’ What Looters Did To Cali Firefighter Battling Wildfire
According to KRON 4, a local California Bay Area new station reported that looters targeted a Santa Cruz Fire Ground Commander.
When the Commander returned to his work vehicle he found that his wallet was missing and his bank account empty.
“It’s unfortunate and sickening that one of our Fire Ground Commanders in that area, while out taking care of business and directing firefighting crews, somebody entered his department vehicle and stole his wallet and drained his bank account,” a Cal Fire official said during a press briefing on Sunday.
He continued:
So that’s the extent that these people have gone. Again, this is why we have asked for people to evacuate. The sheriff’s department has done a fantastic job in trying to wrangle this. But again, this is what we have as a result. It’s saddening, it’s sickening, and we are doing everything we can do try to help the community and unfortunately, these happen.
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 also issued a warning to social media users over a GoFundMe account was set up claiming to be the fighter who’s wallet was stolen.
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 Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday that five looters are in custody for targeting evacuees homes.
CAL FIRE San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit also posted some crazy video of firefighters driving through the wildfire.
We’ve had many questions about when and where this video was taken. This video was shot by a CZU firefighter on August 18 (Tuesday) at 11:39pm on Highway 236 just past headquarters in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. #CZULightningComplex https://t.co/GmHkGxubsq
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) August 23, 2020
Thank you to our pilots at a time where it seems our entire state is on fire. This is the #WoodwardFire in #MarinCounty. Our local #hotshots, fighting the fire, captured this water drop 🔥 #CaliforniaWildfires @KRCR7 pic.twitter.com/fJdF3AEera
— Courtney Kreider (@KreiderCourtney) August 23, 2020
President Trump has approved the state’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to help strengthen the state’s response to the wildfires.
