Posted on 10/27/2007 3:54:44 PM PDT by Baladas
IRVINE, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Saturday pledged to ruthlessly hunt down anyone suspected of setting a fast-moving blaze that has burned 27,600-acres in Santiago, and promised swift punishment for scam artists and looters.
Authorities believe at least two of the wildfires have suspicious origins and are the result of arson.
"If I were one of those people who started the fires I would not sleep soundly," Schwarzenegger said. "We're right behind you -- turn yourself in."
"We know in Orange County this was arson," said Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona. "This was not some random act that took place nor was the fire started by a natural event."
Carona said more than 1,000 tips had already been phoned in from the public.
The total reward now being offered for information in the case is $250,000.
Earlier this week, the governor announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting the Santiago fire. In addition, the FBI and ATF each contributed $50,000 and KFI Radio added $10,000.
A white Ford F-150 pickup with chrome running boards has been reported in the area at the time during the early-morning hours of 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen the pickup or the driver to call the Orange County Fire Authority Arson Tip Line at 1-800-540-8282.
The governor issued the warning during a news conference Saturday in Irvine Park, a few miles west of the fire lines.
Schwarzenegger said the disaster had brought out the best in Californians with neighbors helping neighbors but also brought out scam artists who prey on victims. He warned looters and insurance fraud scammers against taking advantage of wildfire victims and pledged harsh punishment for those who do.
"We are also going after the scam artists, price gougers, and shady contractors and anyone else going after anyone who preys on people hurt by these fires," he said. "We are as serious about protecting people from cheats and criminals as we are about protecting them from fire."
"If anyone tries to exploit this tragedy I will make sure you will pay for rest of your life," added Schwarzenegger. "We will arrest them and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said law enforcement officials there will "show no mercy" to looters and scam artists. Authorities have so far arrested four people for looting and taken steps to screen evacuees lodging at Qualcomm Stadium.
"In Qualcomm Stadium we had people that were selling the products being donated to victims," said Dumanis, adding that about 1,000 people "bolted" out the stadium when officials announced they were checking IDs.
"People have seen enough, they have anxiety, they have been displaced, they have lost everything they once had," she said. "We will not tolerate anyone who would try and take advantage of people who are down and out."
Orange County deputies have not seen any looters, Carona said, and the department has hundreds of deputies patrolling evacuated areas and escorting residents with lawful needs.
Consumers who want to report scams, insurance fraud or need help finding a licensed contractor can call the state's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-952-5210. The hotline will be open seven days a week.
It is a felony in the state of California for unlicensed contractors to work in a disaster area, the governor reminded. If caught and convicted, they face up to 60 months in prison and a $10,000 in fines.
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said his agency had declared an insurance emergency so that out-of-state appraisers could help expedite insurance claims so victims can be paid as quickly as possible. An insurance fraud task force has also been created, with 100 fraud investigators on the ground working with local law enforcement.
"Unfortunately, it's like clockwork for every natural disaster scam artists from all over the state show up to take advantage of victims," he said.
Consumers are encouraged to report fraud at the Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-927-HELP
where's the sarcasm tag.
San Diego county sounds like an atom bomb hit it and the arsonists and the politicians should all lose their heads because of it.
the politicians effectively set and fanned the fires that the arsonists' didn't.
They left off a 0. The station kicked in 100k.
Since it’s arson, does that mean insurance companies won’t cover damages?
Could it have been Mustapha bin Yomama?
I’m not an expert, but it does appear other folks have been covered when arson was involved for other fires. Terrorism may be a valid loophole though. I just don’t know.
At the present time, it doesn’t look like terrorism, but who knows how this will turn out.
Let’s save the RINO comments for another thread. Arnold did a great job here.
Thank God it did, stay safe.
I'm glad your house was saved!
It's been an incredible week. In this day and age of overpaid, steroid-addled atheletes and spoiled, talentless actresses we still have real heros. They swing axes and wrestle high pressure hoses when the fires come. Then they anonymously disappear. I cannot thank them enough.
LOL
This whole thing is crap! There are no arsonists, it’s GO-BALL warming don’t ya see?!
Thats a five party system Arnold! You, the court, the prosecutor, the accused and his attorney..............If you ever do catch the perps Arnold, my money is on probation...........
I wasn’t in any danger (other than smoke in the LA basin) but my mom was on evacuation alert so I watched the SD fires closely as did many on the live (week-long) thread. So many people did so many amazing things—the firefighters were truly great heroes, though. Seeing the pics, I can’t imagine being that fearless.
You mean we’re all RHINOS?
I spent most of my time away from home while evacuated using my truck and trailer to evacuate animals, mostly horses. I moved about 40 to various evac points around the county. Spent most of yesterday and today moving them back. A small contribution perhaps, but it kept me sane.
If it turns out illegal aliens started it, he’ll be like, “Uhhh ... never mind.”
The illegals they arrested at Qualcomm Stadium for stealing supplies weren’t prosecuted; they just shoved them across the border. They’re probably already back in town stealing something else.
Every contribution helps!
I have a friend that did the same thing before having to evacuate himself later in the week.
I’m sure many appreciated your effort.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.