3 more arrests made in Blue Cut fire evacuation areas

Three additional arrests were made this week in the evacuation areas of the Blue Cut fire, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies arrested three people Thursday on suspicion of trying to steal a flatbed truck from an area evacuated.

• Day 5 Coverage: Overnight progress on Blue Cut fire stops growth, increases containment

Saturday morning, authorities aounced there had been other arrests.

With nearly 35,000 homes evacuated due to the fire, 70 deputies, two per unit, have been assigned to patrol the areas, according to a news release Saturday morning.

“Our focus is the safety of our citizens and protection of their property. We will fully investigate, pursue and arrest anyone involved in criminal activity and re-victimizing the evacuated residents.” Sheriff John McMahon says in the news release.

• More Arrests: 3 in custody on suspicion of looting home evacuated during Blue Cut fire

The first arrest came shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to a Sheriff’s Department news release. Deputies received reports of a male on an ATV in the evacuation area of Baldy Mesa and Phelan Road. Deputies found the male, a convicted felon, to be in possession of a handgun and ammunition. He was arrested on felony possession of a firearm.

The following day, deputies reported at 10:52 a.m. seeing a truck with two male occupants in the Phelan area. After conducting a vehicle check, deputies learned the men did not live in the area and had “tools consistent with those used in burglaries,” according to the release. Both men were arrested on possession of burglary tools.