California wildfires: Death toll now at 24 as fires continue to burn across LA County
LOS ANGELES – The combined death toll from the California wildfires stands at 24, as of Sunday night.
According to the latest update from the Medical Examiner, 16 deaths are attributed to the Eaton Fire and 8 from the Palisades Fire.
During a press conference Sunday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said three additional victims were found Saturday in the rubble of the Eaton Fire in Pasadena.
“Yesterday we started a search and rescue operation out in the Eaton area, where in the first day of this operation, grid searching, we searched approximately 364 properties in the Altadena area, and unfortunately during that search we did locate three deceased,” Luna said. “As these searches continue, I unfortunately anticipate that those numbers will increase. We will start a similar operation in the northern side of the county here very soon.”
javascript:false
Helping wildfire victims: Donation center opens at Santa Anita Park
People across California are donating food, clothes, and several other items to people impacted by the deadly and destructive wildfires.
“As these searches continue, I unfortunately anticipate that those numbers will increase,” Luna said.
K9 search teams have been deployed to assist in recovery efforts.
Luna said the sheriff’s department has received 16 missing persons reports, 12 in the Eaton Fire area and four in the Palisades area. No juveniles have been reported missing.
javascript:false
California Wildfires: LA officials give update on progress and recovery
LA city and county officials held a press briefing Sunday morning to give updates on the fires burning in Southern California.
Palisades Fire
Latest numbers from Cal Fire show that more than 23,707 acres have burned with 11% containment. Evacuation orders and warnings still remain in effect. At least 5,316 structures have been destroyed, a number that includes automobiles, and at least 426 homes have been destroyed. Authorities said approximately 105,000 people are currently evacuated.
Over 4,000 personnel are assigned to the fire.
