At least 36 people are missing and two more people have died, bringing the death toll to 27, authorities said Thursday, as firefighters continue to extinguish wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County.
In a report released Thursday evening, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed that 10 people died in the Palisades Fire and 17 people died in the Eaton Fire.
“We continue to work with multiple partners to not only recover the body, but ultimately identify the deceased and notify next of kin,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in a press conference. He spoke at That day.
Luna said more remains are likely to be discovered in these areas, which is why authorities continue to issue evacuation orders around these sites.
Los Angeles area residents need phone numbers and how to get help.
A burnt-out classic car stands like a ghost after being destroyed by a wildfire in Altadena, California, on Friday, January 10, 2025. (Derek Schock, Fox News Digital)
“We're going through some of these grids and there are areas that we're securing because we believe there may be deceased victims,” Luna said. “We need to have the right amount of time and the right resources to process the scene correctly, and that will take some time. Please be patient.”
Authorities also announced that at least 36 people were still missing in the wildfire area, as the death toll rose to at least 27.
A residential area affected by wildfires in Los Angeles, California on January 12, 2025. (Lokman Vral Elibor/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Of the 43 total people reported missing in the county, 12 have been found safe, Luna said. There are currently 31 missing persons cases, 24 in the Eaton fire area and seven in the Palisades area.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said eight other people were missing in the city. Three of them are believed to have died, and five remain missing, he said.
The Eaton and Palisades fires are the two largest wildfires firefighters are battling.
A helicopter sprays water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon in Los Angeles, Saturday, January 11, 2025. (Etienne Laurent)
The Eaton Fire has burned an estimated 14,117 acres and was 55% contained as of Thursday, fire officials said. The Palisades Fire has consumed approximately 23,713 acres and is 22% contained.
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Officials said thousands of firefighters worked around the clock to extinguish the blaze as strong winds that fanned the flames subsided.
High winds cause a vehicle and house to burst into flames during a devastating wildfire in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025. (Reuters/David Swanson)
Despite the easing in favorable weather conditions, officials warned of possible future weather threats, including strong Santa Ana winds expected to arrive Monday or Tuesday.
“There will be more polar winds on the horizon,” Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Christine Crowley said. “It is important to protect yourself and your family by planning, being prepared, and staying aware.”
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Other officials warned that rain could arrive later this month, potentially triggering mudslides and debris flows in areas scorched by wildfires.
