Official damage assessments released by local authorities

Los Angeles Wildfires Kill 16, Burn Over 37,000 Hectares; Tens of Thousands Evacuated

Jan 12, 2025, 05:20 AM

Wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have killed at least 16 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures, according to local authorities. The fires have burned over 37,000 hectares and have been raging for five days, fueled by dry desert winds. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated as officials urge more people to heed evacuation orders after new blazes ignited and rapidly spread. The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office confirmed that the death toll rose to 16 as of Saturday afternoon, with 11 deaths related to the Eaton Fire and five to the Palisades Fire. Additionally, at least 13 people are reported missing. Firefighters are racing to contain the flames amid worsening weather conditions, and officials warn that the true extent of the damage may not be known until it is safe to access affected neighborhoods.