PM Update for August 27, 2020
Police arrested two men who entered an evacuation zone late last night.
(Photos courtesy Solano County Sheriff’s Department)
Deputies with the Solano County Sheriff’s Department arrested two men late Wednesday evening who are accused of sneaking into an evacuated area with burglary tools and suspected drugs.
On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Department announced the arrests of 44-year-old Donald Ross Widmann of Holly Lane in Vacaville and Jacob Ryan Carter, 22, of Benicia. The men were spotted by deputies within a closed section of Gibson Canyon Road that had been evacuated due to the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire.
Widmann was booked into the Solano County Jail on conspiracy charges while Carter was booked on charges of conspiracy, possession of burglary tools and possession of a controlled substance.
The case marks the first time police have made arrests in connection with attempted looting in rural Solano County’s evacuation zone. Police say there have been no actual cases of looting to date, and officers continue patrolling areas impacted by the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire for suspicious individuals and public safety issues.
Fast Facts
369,935 acres burned
35 percent contained
2,292 firefighters, 38 crews assigned to fire
1,080 structures destroyed across six counties
More than 240 buildings impacted in Solano County
5 fatalities, 4 injuries confirmed
Public information line: 1-707-967-4207
Information accurate as of Thursday, August 27 at 7:45 p.m. PDT
Re-Population Begins
On Thursday, the Solano County Office of Emergency Service issued a notice via Alert Solano informing residents that re-population efforts had started in portions of rural Vacaville and rural Fairfield affected by last week’s LNU Lightning Complex wildfire.
The Solano County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Services, and the Solano County Department of Resource Management, Public Works division, are working in coordination with CAL FIRE, local fire chiefs, PG&E and the water agency on a phased re-population process to help residents return safely to their property after being evacuated because of the LNU Lighting Complex fire.
Re-population efforts are occurring in phases, meaning residents will be allowed to return to their properties when public safety agencies determine those areas are safe for re-entry. Utility workers and fire crews are likely to remain in areas for the next few weeks.
Before returning to their property, residents will need to visit Solano County’s Re-Entry Center located at Mission Church, 6391 Leisure Town Road, Vacaville. A valid form of identification or proof of residency will be required before re-entry is granted. (Read more about re-population efforts)
Some Roads Remain Closed
For the safety of all residents, CAL FIRE crews, Solano County residents and utility workers, some roads are closed indefinitely due to damage from falling trees, damaged utility lines, wildfire debris and other safety and health hazards.
Solano County has closed the following roads for the foreseeable future:
Blue Ridge Road
Cantelow Road from Pleasants Valley Road to English Hills Road
Gates Canyon Road
Mix Canyon Road
Pleasants Valley Road from Shale Peak Lane to Quail Canyon Road
Information about when these roads will be re-opened to residents and/or the public will be made available via Alert Solano at a later date.
Beware of Scams
Disasters and other emergencies can bring communities together, but they can also bring out the worst in some people. Scammers are known to take advantage of crisis to bilk well-intentioned community members and victims alike out of their money. Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to avoid disaster-related scams:
Ask for identification. If you are approached by someone claiming to be a public safety official, utility worker, volunteer coordinator or fundraiser, ask to see identification.
Don’t give out personal information. Public safety agencies will notify you ahead of time if personal information is requested (for example, to re-enter a declared disaster zone).
Don’t pay FEMA-related application fees. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not charge application fees for disaster-related financial assistance. If someone offers to help you qualify for FEMA funds in exchange for a modest payment, it’s more than likely a scam.
Donate only to trusted charities. Scammers sometimes pose as charity workers in an effort to bilk people out of cash. Always donate to trusted charities like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army or a local food bank.
Don’t wire money. If you’re asked to wire money through Western Union, MoneyGram or PayPal, or you’re asked to buy prepaid debit or gift cards, it’s more than likely a scam.
If you or someone you know falls victim to a scam, contact the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, then file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. (Read more)
Alert Solano
The Solano County Sheriff’s Department is requesting members of the community sign up for Alert Solano, a free service that offers real-time public safety alerts, including evacuation notices, severe weather, road closures/openings and other critical information. These alerts are delivered by phone call, text messages and/or email messages based on your preference. (Sign up here)
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LNU Solano is not affiliated with Solano County or any public safety agency. During times of crisis, always follow the direction of law enforcement and other public safety officials. Plan ahead for wildfires at www.readyforwildfire.org.