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(NewsNation) — Officials say they are making progress fighting the Los Angeles-area wildfires that started last week.
However, problems still linger, not only for the thousands who have lost everything in the fires but also for those whose homes and businesses are still standing.
About 82,000 people are under evacuation orders. Some California residents are defying those orders to protect their property, as well as that of their neighbors.
One woman who talked to NewsNation said she is going into her neighbor’s houses and cleaning out refrigerators so they won’t smell.
Altadena resident EveAnna Manley is keeping herself armed in an attempt to scare looters away.
“To be looting during a natural disaster is the lowest form of human behavior,” Manley said.
Manley has a sign in her yard that warns: “If you are looting, we are shooting.”
“It’s a bit of a joke, but it’s to remind someone — please don’t just steal my freaking Starlink,” Manley told NewsNation. “I know what the laws are as well, and I’m trying to make sure I’m always legal with my firearm control.”
Authorities have made multiple looting arrests. On Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced charges against 10 people in four separate incidents during the wildfires’ onset. Two people were charged with first-degree residential burglary, looting and grand theft for allegedly stealing over $200,000.
Security has been heightened in the areas hit by wildfires, with people having to go through several different checkpoints to get through the area.