At Least 10 Confirmed Dead in Ongoing Fires in Los Angeles
Severe weather conditions along with strong winds persist as residents contend with the devastating wildfires.
The county coroner’s office reported receiving notification about the fatalities by 9 p.m. Thursday.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is collaborating with local law enforcement and firefighting teams to address the reported fatalities stemming from the active wildfires.
All deaths are under investigation, a process that may take several weeks. Because of fire conditions and safety issues, the coroner’s office is unable to respond to all death sites, according to the department.
“Please be aware that conventional means of identification, like fingerprinting and visual identification, may not be accessible, which will prolong the identification of these deceased individuals,” the coroner stated in an announcement.
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A suspect was questioned on Thursday concerning the alleged ignition of the Kenneth Fire following a 911 report about an individual attempting to start a fire, as stated by Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Dominic Choi.
Despite interviewing the suspect and examining the evidence, officers concluded they lacked probable cause for an arrest, Choi reported. The suspect was taken into custody on a felony probation violation while the investigation into the fire is ongoing.
The Palisades Fire has expanded to nearly 20,500 acres as of Friday morning, with only 8 percent containment, according to fire officials.
This fire, which began on Tuesday, has destroyed a minimum of 85 structures and threatens nearly 11,500 more. Additionally, 12 homes have suffered damage.
Three individuals have sustained injuries due to the fire, predominantly affecting the coastal regions of Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
The Andrew McNally House, established in 1887 by one of the co-founders of Rand McNally publishing, is shown after being ravaged by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Jan. 9, 2025. Chris Pizzello/AP Photo
According to fire officials, a drone was illegally flown over the Palisades Fire on Thursday, damaging the wing of a Canadian super scooper aircraft. The pilots were unaware of the drone strike until their return to Van Nuys airport. The aircraft will be repaired, but it remains grounded until Monday.
The Eaton Fire, which has been burning since Tuesday evening in the regions east of Los Angeles in Altadena and Pasadena, has nearly matched the size of the coastal fire, reaching almost 13,700 acres.
As of Friday, over 1,500 firefighters were combating the blaze, with additional teams expected to arrive from Canada later in the day. Crews achieved 3 percent containment on the Eaton Fire, according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.
Marrone estimated that between 4,000 and 5,000 structures may have been damaged or destroyed by Friday.
Fueled by powerful winds on Thursday, the flames reached Mount Wilson; however, there was no reported damage to the observatory, Marrone confirmed.
A scorched U.S. flag floats above a structure left in ashes due to the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, California, on Jan. 8, 2025. Agustin Paullier/AFP via Getty Images
One firefighter sustained injuries from a fall on Thursday but is in stable condition and is expected to recover fully, Marrone stated.
Officials have visited fire-damaged areas this week to meet with local residents.
“I’ve been out and listening to my residents,” stated Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I’ve spoken to families who have lost everything and are uncertain about their next steps.”
Mayor Karen Bass mentioned that firefighting crews are working tirelessly to contain the various fires.
Firefighting teams engage in battle against the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills area of Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2025. Ethan Swope/AP Photo
The LAPD family assistance center will have 10 officers available on Friday to assist individuals in locating loved ones who may be missing due to the Palisades Fire, as noted by Choi.
California National Guard troops arrived Thursday night to support first responders at the Eaton Fire and are expected to assist with traffic control and security measures in the Palisades Fire’s burn area starting Friday.
Officials report that looting of deserted homes remains a concern and have warned that anyone exploiting the evacuated properties will face arrest and prosecution.
Several individuals have already been arrested on charges of looting, according to Sheriff Robert Luna.
Some area closures have been enacted, including Angeles National Forest, Griffith Park, and Runyon Canyon Park.
“You shouldn’t have to stress about insurance right now,” Lara remarked.
The moratorium, established under state law, will last for one year.
Lara also mentioned that residents can receive assistance from the state’s insurance agency for filing claims and obtaining information regarding their coverage.
