California homes looted after residents flee forest fire
FRESNO, Calif. -- Homeowners in Central California were hit with a nasty surprise upon returning to the homes they were forced to evacuate due to a nearby forest fire, when they discovered they'd been looted, reports CBS San Francisco.
Residents found windows smashed, and thousands of dollars worth of personal items taken when they returned to the homes in the Sierra National Forest area in Madera County.
"We did everything that we're supposed to do, to leave this fire, and now we come home to this," homeowner Dan Norton said.
Police are searching for suspects in the thefts. Multiple homes were reportedly broken into during the evacuations.
"It's just heartbreaking to find that someone took advantage of them while they were out of their houses," Madera County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Tyson Pogue said.
Crews have gotten a handle on the fire that has been burning for nearly two weeks, and it was about 80-percent contained.
All evacuation orders have been lifted in the area.