On Monday, August 1, 2022, Siskiyou County Sheriff Deputies (SCSO) contacted members of a media group who were on private property inside the burn area of the McKinney Fire. Additionally SCSO reported the media crew had escorted a citizen into the evacuation zone in their vehicle, which is an unlawful abuse of press privileges.
Authorities say this took place at a home in which investigators and search teams had not yet processed. One of the deceased persons was later confirmed to be on this property that the media group had disturbed. Further, the media group televised the information prior to law enforcement properly processing the scene and notifying the family.
SCSO remarked that this incident: Is unacceptable and disrespectful to fire victims and their families and will NOT be tolerated.
As a reminder, law enforcement reiterated they will be checking identification of all individuals asserting to be members of the media at the various road blocks guarding the evacuation zone.
Because the cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation, the area affected by the McKinney Fire is being treated as a crime scene to secure and preserve the area for investigators and protect any potential evidence.
