As the Palisades Fire sent thousands of people fleeing for their lives, a couple from Oregon allegedly posed as firefighters to enter the evacuation zone wearing fake gear and driving their privately owned fire engine, authorities say.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Friday announced charges against Dustin and Jennifer Nehl, who are accused of impersonating firefighters. If convicted, they could face 180 days in jail.
A helmet and other items, including a CalFire T-shirt, confiscated from a couple allegedly impersonating firefighters.
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
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“Impersonating first responders endangers the safety of our community and the well-being of those who choose to engage in such reckless behavior, especially during a state of emergency,” Hochman said. “These types of actions can have dire consequences and mislead the public into trusting an unqualified person with responsibilities they are not equipped to handle.”
The Palisades Fire — 77% contained as of Friday morning — has burned over 23,000 acres and killed 11 people, a number that could continue to rise. The fire destroyed thousands of structures, with only some areas open to residents.
How it transpired
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a patrol unit spotted the couple in their “Roaring River” fire truck as they were looking to enter…
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