SAN FRANCISCO — A firefighter commander who was directing crews fighting the CZU Lighting Complex Fire in California had his department vehicle broken into, wallet stolen and bank account withdrawn from.
“It’s saddening. It’s sickening,” California Fire Operations Chief Mark Brunton told KGO. “We are doing everything we can to try to help the community and unfortunately this happens.”
The theft comes as officials said they arrested five people on suspicion of looting, KGO reported.
"It's terrible and disgusting," Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Chris Clark said. "These five decided to victimize several of our community members who are already hurting."
The CZU Lightning Complex fire has burned more than 71,000 acres and destroyed more than 129 buildings. It is about 8% contained.