Fires in Los Angeles spread rapidly through residential neighborhoods last week. A long dry spell and very strong winds have been described as a “perfect scenario” for the flames.
The emergency services have now gained more control over the two large fires in Pacific Palisades and Eaton. But the danger is not over, and more than 170,000 people are still affected by an evacuation order or warning, reports CNN.
27 people have so far been confirmed dead and over 10,000 homes and other types of buildings have been destroyed, according to local authorities. This has led to thousands of people now needing somewhere to live in Los Angeles, where the housing shortage is already severe.
Democrat Rob Bonta, director of the California Department of Justice, warned of scam bids for real estate and shock increases in rents and hotel rates during a news conference Thursday.
– People across the region are being exploited by greedy companies, landlords and fraudsters who want to make a quick buck out of their pain.
Several criminal investigations underway
In California, it is illegal to raise prices by more than 10 percent during a crisis. But in practice it seems to be possible to get around the law, and in several cases the rents on the objects that are put out have skyrocketed, US media reports.
CNN and NBC News reports on rents of up to SEK 300,000.
Rob Bonta said during Thursday’s press conference that they have now opened several preliminary investigations after the fires.
– Whether it’s fraud or looting – you can be sure that we will hold you accountable.
Shame on affected houses
Many in the fire-ravaged area lacked insurance, and several insurance companies have pulled out of areas they consider to be at high risk of wildfires.
Jacqui Irwin, a member of the California State Assembly, is warning Pacific Palisades residents about unscrupulous buyers who are now bidding on blighted properties.
– Don’t sell your home for a pittance, says Irwin.
Several have been arrested on suspicion of looting in the fire-ravaged area. The FBI has also come out with one warning to the public about fake charity fundraisers asking for support for victims.