Two Oregon Residents Arrested for Impersonating Firefighters in Palisades Fire

Los Angeles,Oregon- Two individuals from Scio, Oregon have been arrested for impersonating firefighters and attempting to enter a restricted evacuation zone amid the ongoing Palisades Fire, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).

Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, were taken into custody on Saturday, January 18, after a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) patrol unit, accompanied by fire personnel, identified a suspicious fire truck in the affected area. The truck, which appeared out of place, was flagged to LASD deputies, who subsequently intercepted it as the suspects attempted to access the evacuation zone.

According to authorities, the suspects were wearing firefighter turnout gear and claimed to represent the “Roaring River Fire Department,” an entity that was later confirmed to be fictitious by law enforcement. Further investigation revealed that the fire truck had been purchased at an auction. Additionally, the suspects were found wearing CAL-Fire t-shirts underneath their gear and were equipped with helmets and radios.

The suspects admitted to having been in the evacuation zone a day earlier, on January 17. They were arrested for impersonating a firefighter and entering a restricted area. The truck was impounded as part of the investigation.

LA officials report Dustin Nehl has a prior criminal record in Oregon, including charges of criminal mischief and arson. Jennifer Nehl does not have any known criminal history, and neither individual has previous offenses in California.

The couples social media accounts show a history of working as contracted wildland personnel. However, Los Angeles authorities do not believe the couple were under any such directive at the time of their arrest.

The case is set to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration on Tuesday, January 21.

The Palisades Fire has prompted significant evacuations as emergency services work to control the blaze. Authorities remind the public that unauthorized entry into evacuation zones poses risks to public safety and hampers firefighting efforts.