At least 36 people are being searched for by LA authorities as the wildfire death toll increases to 27.

Sheriff Luna of Los Angeles County states that additional remains may be retrieved from wildfire zones.

At least 36 people are being searched for by LA authorities as the wildfire death toll increases to 27.
At least 36 people are being searched for by LA authorities as the wildfire death toll increases to 27.

Officials on Thursday announced that at least 36 people are still missing and two more deaths have been reported, bringing the total number of those killed in the wildfires consuming Los Angeles County to 27.

The Palisades Fire resulted in the death of 10 individuals, while the Eaton Fire claimed the lives of 17 people, according to a report released Thursday evening by the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna informed reporters during a news conference that the department continues to collaborate with various partners in the recovery, identification, and notification of the deceased to the next of kin.

Officials are keeping evacuation orders in place around those sites because Luna predicted that more remains would likely be discovered in those areas.

Aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires
Burned out classic cars sit like ghosts after being destroyed by wildfire in Altadena, California, as seen on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (Derek Shook for Planet Chronicle Digital)

"Luna stated that while examining certain grids, there are spots that we are holding because we suspect there are deceased victims present. However, we must wait for the appropriate time and resources to handle the scene accurately, which may take some time. Kindly exercise patience as we work through this process."

At least 27 people have died in the wildfire, while officials estimate that at least 36 individuals are still missing.

A general view of the burned residential areas as wildfires continue to wreak havoc
Residential areas stricken by wildfire in Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 12, 2025.  (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In the county, 12 of the 43 missing persons have been found safe. There are still 31 active missing persons cases, with 24 in the Eaton Fire area and seven in the Palisades.

The Los Angeles Police Chief, Jim McDonnell, stated that there are eight individuals missing in the city's jurisdiction. Out of these, three are believed to have perished, while five are still unaccounted for.

Two of the largest wildfires currently being fought by firefighters are the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires
A helicopter drops water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Etienne Laurent)

As of Thursday, the Eaton Fire has burned an estimated 14,117 acres and is 55% contained, while the Palisades Fire has consumed approximately 23,713 acres and is 22% contained.

Officials reported that thousands of firefighters have been working tirelessly to control the fires, and have made progress as the strong winds that fueled the flames lessened.

Eaton wildfire in Altadena
Vehicles and a house burn as powerful winds fuel the devastating wildfires in Altadena, California, on Jan. 8, 2025.  (REUTERS/David Swanson)

Officials cautioned about potential future weather dangers, such as strong Santa Ana winds, which may arrive on Monday or Tuesday, despite the temporary relief from favorable weather conditions.

"On the horizon, there are stronger winds approaching," Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley stated. "It is crucial to safeguard yourselves and your loved ones by taking proactive measures, such as planning, preparing, and staying vigilant."

Officials warned that a potential rainstorm later this month could cause mudslides and debris flows in areas affected by wildfires.

by Stephen Sorace

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