LA Wildfires: Family Honors Man Who ‘Embraced Life’ Following His Passing in Palisades Fire | US News
The family of a man who died in the Pacific Palisades fire has honored his “infectious smile and boundless sense of humor.”
Meredith Mortimer, the niece of the deceased Charlie Mortimer, described her uncle as someone who “truly embraced life.”
In a statement to Sky News, she remarked: “He was a globe-trotter, a sun aficionado, and a passionate sports enthusiast. (He finally witnessed his beloved Chicago Cubs clinch the World Series!).”
LA wildfires latest: Fire chief warns of life-threatening winds
Charlie “will be remembered for his quick wit, sharp intellect, and deep love for his family,” she added. “His infectious smile and perpetual sense of humor will be sorely missed by friends and family across the globe.”
At least 24 individuals have lost their lives in the LA wildfires, with 23 more currently unaccounted for.
The Palisades fire has devastated thousands of homes, schools, and businesses. Pic: AP
Other victims include Rory Sykes, a former child star from the UK, who perished after his mother was unable to rescue him from their burning cottage.
Of the five fires that ignited last week, three remain active, while the Hurst fire is now 97% contained.
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Sky News presenter challenges LA officials
The Palisades fire and the Eaton fire, the two largest blazes, have neither expanded in size for the past two days, thanks to the dedicated efforts of nearly 8,500 firefighters.
However, officials caution that the “danger is not yet over” as strong winds, which have aided the fires’ spread, are anticipated to be particularly severe today.
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“Life-threatening, widespread, and destructive winds are already here,” stated LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley during a press conference today.
Currently, 88,000 individuals remain under evacuation orders. Some who had to flee over the past week have been able to briefly return to their neighborhoods, only to find their homes and communities turned to ashes.
