Oregon couple accused of impersonating firefighters to sneak into wildfire evacuation zone

An Oregon couple wearing fake firefighter gear and driving a fire truck purchased at auction was arrested and charged after authorities stopped them from sneaking into a Palisade fire district.

Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, county District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a news release Friday. Accused of imitating firefighters during Los Angeles County wildfires. It was unclear whether either had an attorney.

The couple was driven through the Palisades Fire District by a police patrol on Jan. 18, where firefighters encountered a “fire truck that did not appear to be legal,” the Sheriff's Department said in a news release. .

Deputies stopped the fire truck as they attempted to enter the evacuation area. The Sheriff's Department said NEHLS all had radios and were wearing firefighter gear, including Cal Fire T-shirts and helmets.

The couple allegedly said they were from the Roaring River Fire Department in Oregon, which is not a legal agency. Authorities learned the truck they were in was purchased at auction. The truck was later impounded.

According to the Sheriff's Department, the couple said they were in an evacuation zone on January 17, the day before their arrest.

“Impersonating first responders jeopardizes the safety of our communities and the well-being of those who choose to engage in such reckless behavior, especially during a state of emergency,” Hochman said in a statement. “These types of actions can bring The consequences are dire and mislead the public into trusting an unreasonable person they are not equipped to deal with.”

Dustin Nehl's mother, Marlene Nehl, told Los Angeles magazine that the couple, who lost her child in December, “just wanted to help.”

Hockman said officers “appreciate the desire to help” but “should follow the law to avoid disrupting law enforcement and first responders who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe during these emergencies.”

Jennifer Nehl was released because she had no criminal history, the District Attorney's Office said. Dustin Nehl was denied release and his bail was set at $30,000. He has a criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson, the Sheriff's Office said.

Both are due back in court on February 11 for a preliminary hearing.