Official reports from Los Angeles County Fire Department

Death Toll Rises to 16 as Eaton and Palisades Fires Destroy 12,000 Structures in Los Angeles

Jan 12, 2025, 03:05 AM

The death toll from the wildfires in Los Angeles County has risen to 16, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Eleven fatalities are linked to the Eaton Fire in Altadena, while five are attributed to the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades. The fires have collectively destroyed over 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and vehicles, and have burned tens of thousands of acres. The Eaton Fire has damaged or destroyed over 7,000 structures and is 15% contained, while the Palisades Fire has burned over 22,000 acres, destroyed 5,316 structures, and is 11% contained. Thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders, and officials warn of potential further spread due to forecasted strong Santa Ana winds. Authorities are conducting systematic searches for victims using cadaver dogs, while evacuation centers have been set up to assist displaced individuals. The fires are among the most destructive in Los Angeles County's history, with early estimates placing economic losses between $135 billion and $150 billion. Efforts to control the fires include the deployment of over 1,600 California National Guard personnel and extensive firefighting resources. Key landmarks such as UCLA and the Getty Museum are under threat, and over 27,000 SoCal Edison customers are affected by power shutoffs.