‘Get out, stay out:’ Law enforcement clamps down on fire-zone looters

'Those who haven't been impacted but are interested in looking at damage -- don't do it.'

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Get out, and stay out.

That's what the Marion and Linn County sheriff's offices are telling evacuees as the fires in Santiam Canyon and elsewhere rage on.

While many residents have made it to safety, law enforcement is now turning their attention to reports of looting in vacant homes.

Mill City Mayor Tim Kirsch tells NewsChannel 21 the city is thankfully mostly intact, but some are taking advantage of evacuated homes.

"Deputies said they were chasing someone down the highway at 120 mph, and I believe Marion County actually threw out a spike strip and stopped them," Kirsch said. "They had stolen property in their possession, so they're off to jail. Thank goodness, one more off the street."

The mayor said he understands that many evacuees may be concerned about their property, but the entire area is still under Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation.

There are still many downed trees and power lines throughout the impacted areas as well.

Marion County sheriff's Sgt. Jeremy Landers said his force has increased their presence, ensuring extra deputies are on patrol to stop any criminal behavior.

ODOT Region 4 spokesman Peter Murphy said added that state highways 22 and 126 remain closed through the Santiam Canyon and McKenzie Valley.

Murphy said he understands that people want to get back to their homes, but it's simply too dangerous.

Gov. Kate Brown and other state officials also addressed the ongoing fires Thursday and ongoing efforts to bring more firefighters to the fight.

"Our 3, 125-person pre-trained firefighting teams are being mobilized as we speak," said National Guard Major General Peter Stencel. "They are going to be arriving at fire camp on Saturday, Sunday and Monday."

With the National Guard making their way in over the weekend, Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps stressed the importance of staying out of fire areas.

"Those who haven't been impacted but are interested in looking at damage -- don't do it," Phelps said. "It's disrespectful to those who have lost everything. It's disrespectful and dangerous to you and the firefighters, it's not worth it." 

All hands are on deck as the state continues to battle the flames.

The message remains clear: Get out, and stay out.