LA officials condemn looters arrested during fires NBC4 Washington [Video]

Los Angeles County public officials issued a warning that those burglarizing and looting evacuated homes during the Southern California wildfires will be held accountable.

The Sheriff’s Department has made at least 20 arrests since the fires broke out Tuesday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger told reporters Thursday.

“In the midst of the emergency, we have all seen individuals who are targeting vulnerable communities by burglarizing and looting homes,” she said. “This is simply unacceptable.”

Barger said law enforcement is proactively patrolling impacted communities to prevent criminal activity.

“I promise you, you will be held accountable,” she said. “Shame on those who are preying on our residents during this time of crisis.”

Multiple wildfires continued to decimate Southern California on Thursday, with more than 180,000 people under evacuation orders and more than 420,000 without power.

Officials on Thursday did not specify where alleged looting occurred. NBC News reporteda home in Arcadia was burglarized on Wednesday and two people were arrested for …