The death toll from Los Angeles county’s Eaton and Palisades fires has reached 24, with officials warning of strengthening Santa Ana winds that could expand the destruction in the coming days.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported 16 deaths in the Eaton fire zone and eight in the Palisades fire zone, as both blazes remain less than 30% contained. More than 1,800 structures have been destroyed and over 10,000 damaged across the affected areas.
Over 4,700 personnel are working to contain the fires as winds are forecast to intensify through Wednesday, with gusts expected between 35 and 55 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
The Palisades fire has consumed nearly 24,000 acres, with firefighting efforts including aircraft dropping retardant and water despite challenging conditions. More than 150,000 people remain under evacuation orders across the county.
LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley urged residents to follow evacuation orders without delay as the wind event approaches. Sheriff Robert Luna cautioned that many affected areas “look like they were hit by a bomb,” with search operations ongoing using cadaver dogs.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the fires the worst natural disaster in U.S. history in terms of costs and scale, with more than 12,300 homes and businesses destroyed and 200,000 people displaced.
The governor has ordered an inquiry into the county’s water management after reports emerged of a critical reservoir being offline when the fires started, leaving some emergency hydrants with low water pressure.
Officials said the Kenneth fire has been fully contained while the Hurst fire is 89% controlled, allowing resources to be redirected to the more severe Palisades and Eaton fires.
New evacuation orders have been issued for eastern communities, including the affluent Brentwood area and the Getty Center, which has been closed except for emergency personnel.
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