Devastation in LA: Wildfires across Los Angeles County have killed at least 24 people and destroyed over 12,000 structures, officials reported Sunday. With Santa Ana winds expected to worsen, evacuation orders now cover more than 100,000 residents as firefighters battle the deadly Palisades Fire, which has burned over 23,000 acres.
BY PC Bureau
The devastating wildfires that have ravaged the Los Angeles area have claimed a grim toll of at least 24 lives and reduced thousands of structures to ash.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner announced Sunday evening that 24 fatalities have been linked to the wildfires. While investigations are ongoing, only 10 of the victims have been positively identified as human remains.
As reported by USA Today, firefighters worked tirelessly over the weekend to gain control of the relentless blazes. However, new wind advisories have raised concerns about further threats to Southern California communities. Aerial firefighting crews delivered water and fire retardant to battle the Palisades Fire, the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. The inferno has already consumed over 23,000 acres, destroying homes, businesses, and iconic landmarks.
De*th toll from the Los Angeles wildfires now rises to 24.
The LA County Medical Examiner’s office says 8 of the deceased are tied to the Palisades Fire and the other 16 are from the Eaton Fire.
Pray for their families. pic.twitter.com/rnK6ldJfsX
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 13, 2025
Escalating Threats:
The Palisades Fire, which was only 11% contained as of Sunday, continued to spread north and east, prompting officials to issue new evacuation orders for areas west of the 405 freeway, including Encino and Brentwood.
Despite some progress in containment efforts, officials warned that stronger Santa Ana winds could complicate firefighting operations. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts of 35 to 55 mph were expected to pick up again Sunday night and persist through Wednesday, with Tuesday likely to be the most dangerous day. A red flag warning remains in effect, as low humidity and parched vegetation heighten the risk of further fire outbreaks.
Impact and Damage:
BREAKING: Death toll from fires now at 24 pic.twitter.com/YyaTWqWYfv
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 13, 2025
The wildfires have left visible scars along the Pacific Palisades coastline, with destruction spanning over 36,000 acres—an area roughly the size of Miami—according to Cal Fire. The Palisades Fire alone has ravaged scenic stretches between Santa Monica and Malibu.
Key developments include:
- Damages: Over 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, with the fires burning a total of 40,300 acres, Cal Fire reported.
- Evacuations: Approximately 105,000 residents have been ordered to leave their homes, while another 87,000 are under warnings for potential evacuations.
- Containment progress: Current containment levels for active fires are as follows: Palisades (11%), Eaton (27%), and Hurst (89%). Three other fires—the Kenneth, Sunset, and Sunswept—have been fully contained.
- Governor’s response: California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched an investigation into potential water supply challenges that may have hindered firefighting efforts.
Loss of Life and Recovery Efforts:
Earlier on Sunday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported 14 confirmed fatalities, though he acknowledged that numbers from the medical examiner might differ. Search and recovery operations, including the use of cadaver dogs, are underway.
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Later that evening, the medical examiner updated the death toll to 24, with eight fatalities attributed to the Palisades Fire and 16 to the Eaton Fire. Governor Newsom, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, cautioned that the number of fatalities could rise further. “We’ve got search-and-rescue teams and cadaver dogs out, and it’s likely there will be more,” he stated.
Planning for Recovery:
At a Sunday news conference, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone shared plans to begin discussions about allowing evacuees to return home after the red flag warning is lifted on Wednesday.
“We’re committed to being here until the last fire is extinguished,” Marrone assured. “Our focus is on recovery—repopulating evacuated areas, establishing disaster recovery centers, and helping residents rebuild their lives and communities.”
City Councilmember Traci Park emphasized that curfews remain in place for Pacific Palisades and Brentwood to protect public safety as strong winds continue to pose a threat.
“The Palisades Fire is still active, and the situation remains dangerous,” Park said, noting hazards such as downed power lines, damaged utilities, and the risk of landslides.
Due to the worsening conditions, the Los Angeles Police Department has temporarily halted operations to escort residents into evacuation zones for essential items. Priority is being given to utility crews working to stabilize the affected areas.
