Two individuals from Oregon were arrested for allegedly pretending to be firefighters during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County. The incident occurred on Saturday, January 18, 2025, after Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau investigators were contacted about a suspicious fire truck in the area.
This truck was reported by an LAPD patrol unit that had been driving through the fire zone with fire personnel. They noticed that the fire truck did not appear to be a legitimate vehicle and immediately informed authorities. Deputies responded and made contact with the two individuals inside the truck as they were attempting to enter an evacuation zone.
Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies noticed that both individuals were wearing turnout gear, a type of protective clothing worn by firefighters. The occupants, later identified as Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, claimed to be members of the “Roaring River Fire Department” based in Oregon.
However, further investigation revealed that no such fire department existed, and the fire truck had been purchased at an auction. The suspects were also found to be wearing CAL-Fire t-shirts under their gear, and they had helmets and radios typically used by firefighters.
The two individuals admitted that they had entered the evacuation zone the previous day, on Friday, January 17, 2025, without any official authorization. Deputies arrested both Dustin and Jennifer Nehl for impersonating firefighters and for unlawfully entering the evacuation zone. The truck was impounded as evidence.
Dustin Nehl, one of the suspects, has a criminal history in Oregon that includes charges related to criminal mischief and arson. However, neither of the two suspects had a criminal record in California, and they had not been involved in any similar incidents in the state before this arrest. After their arrest, the case was handed over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration, and it was scheduled to be reviewed on Tuesday.
The act of impersonating a firefighter is a serious crime, especially when it involves entering an evacuation zone during an active emergency such as the Palisades Fire. The fire had already been causing significant damage and threatening the safety of local residents, so unauthorized individuals attempting to enter the area could have created additional risks for emergency responders and residents.
Authorities are treating this case with high priority due to the potential danger posed by impersonators who may attempt to interfere with official operations.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information about this case to come forward. If anyone has additional details about the suspects or their activities in the area, they are urged to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, they can reach out to “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
This case highlights the importance of law enforcement maintaining vigilance during major disasters and fire emergencies. Firefighters and emergency personnel often face risks from those who may attempt to enter restricted areas, and this incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for proper identification and authorization when responding to fires or other large-scale emergencies. In addition, it raises awareness about the growing issue of people pretending to be first responders, which can have serious consequences.
While impersonating a firefighter is a criminal offense in itself, the act of entering an evacuation zone without permission can add additional legal charges. Evacuation zones are designated areas where people are asked to leave due to imminent danger from fires or other disasters. These zones are critical for ensuring that emergency responders can work safely, and unauthorized access can hinder their efforts and potentially put lives at risk.
The Nehls’ attempt to pose as firefighters during the Palisades Fire demonstrates how some individuals are willing to go to great lengths to deceive others in high-stress situations. Their actions could have endangered not only themselves but also emergency personnel and those living in the affected areas. Firefighters and law enforcement agencies take such offenses seriously to protect public safety and ensure that all disaster-related operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Investigators are now focusing on piecing together all the details surrounding the arrest and investigating whether the suspects were attempting to gain access to any specific areas or had ulterior motives for entering the evacuation zone. The investigation is ongoing, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has assured the public that the case will be pursued with full diligence.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to authorities. The investigation into the Nehls’ activities is still underway, and law enforcement is working to ensure that anyone attempting to exploit emergency situations in this manner will face appropriate legal consequences.
The arrest of Dustin and Jennifer Nehl serves as a reminder that impersonating a first responder is not only illegal but also a dangerous and reckless act that undermines the efforts of those working tirelessly to protect lives and property during emergencies.
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