The wildfires that have ravaged large swaths of Los Angeles have now claimed 10 lives and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures, with five fires still burning on Friday and a The dry wind is fanning the flames and regaining momentum. Estimates of the damage and economic losses already caused by the devastating fires range from $135 billion to $150 billion.
This was revealed by the Medical Examiner's Office. statement As of 9pm PT Thursday, 10 deaths were announced. Identification could take several weeks, as investigators are unable to reach the place of death due to the fire.
“The Coroner's Service understands how important it is to identify people missing in bushfires and is working diligently to provide information to next of kin as soon as possible, while following safety protocols. We are working on this,” the department said.
As of Thursday, the death toll was five.
The government has not yet released figures such as the amount of damage or the specific total number of buildings destroyed.
AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impacts, on Thursday increased its estimate of damage and economic losses to $135 billion to $150 billion.
Evacuation orders have been issued, affecting more than 180,000 people, and evacuation advisories have been issued for several areas near the fire.
Reuters report The Palisades Fire on the west side of Paris between Santa Monica and Malibu and the Eaton Fire on the east side near Pasadena currently rank as the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history.
Together, they destroyed more than 34,000 acres, or about 53 square miles, and reduced entire neighborhoods to ashes and ruins.
The infographic shows the extent of the damage as of January 10, 2025. (Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The causes of each of the five fires are under investigation.
UPI report At least 20 looters have already been arrested, and authorities have asked the National Guard to assist local law enforcement.
“We must stand up against the opportunistic people who seek to prey on these victims. Los Angeles County cannot sit back and allow an already traumatic experience to get even worse. No,” Supervisor Kathryn Berger, chair of the Board of Supervisors, said. statement.
All Los Angeles Unified schools and offices will be closed on Friday, it announced. statement.
