Authorities in Southern California are seeking the public’s help to track down two men accused of stealing essential firefighting equipment amid raging wildfires and severe winds. The theft took place in Rancho Cucamonga, where the suspects broke into a fire engine belonging to the U.S. Forest Service. As wildfires continue to threaten the region, officials emphasize the urgency of recovering the stolen equipment to aid firefighters in their battle against the blazes.
Details of the Theft
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Friday in Rancho Cucamonga, a city in San Bernardino County, located about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. A San Bernardino National Forest fire engine, part of a strike team responding to strong winds, was parked behind a Hilton hotel when two men targeted it.
Surveillance footage captured the thieves pulling up in a red, two-door Jeep Wrangler with a black soft top and tan seats. The vehicle had a California license plate beginning with the number 6. The suspects forced open three locked compartments on the fire engine, stealing vital firefighting equipment before fleeing north of the hotel.
Authorities Seek Public Assistance
Officials are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the stolen equipment to contact USFS Law Enforcement Officer Tyler Smith via email at [email protected] or call the Federal Interagency Communications Center at 909-383-5653.
California Wildfires Worsen Amid Strong Winds
As authorities continue their investigation into the theft, Southern California remains under threat from wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds. The intense gusts have caused multiple new fires in San Diego County, forcing evacuations, school closures, and power outages.
Recent Wildfires in San Diego County
- Lilac Fire
- Spread to 85 acres
- 35% contained by 5 p.m. Tuesday
- Damaged two structures and displaced 86 people
- Pala Fire
- Burned 17 acres north of Pala Mesa
- 100% contained by Tuesday night
- Evacuation orders lifted
- Riverview Fire
- Burned just 1 acre
- Quickly contained by firefighters
Extreme Wind Conditions
According to the National Weather Service, powerful winds with speeds reaching 102 mph were recorded in the San Diego mountains on Monday night. These hurricane-force winds have made firefighting efforts even more difficult, increasing the risk of rapid fire spread.
The theft of critical firefighting equipment could severely impact fire crews as they battle dangerous wildfires across Southern California. With new fires igniting and extreme winds worsening conditions, authorities are urging the public to help locate the suspects and recover the stolen gear. If you have any information, contact the authorities immediately.
