Thousands of Homes Destroyed in Los Angeles Wildfires as Death Toll Reaches 10
Nearly five wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles communities, destroying thousands of homes Thursday evening as authorities confirmed the death toll has risen to 10.
The remains of two victims from the Palisades Fire were discovered as search efforts continue, with authorities warning that the number of casualties is expected to increase. Investigative teams and cadaver dogs are combing through extensive debris sites across the area.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner has stated that identification and next of kin notifications are pending.
A fifth fire, the Kenneth Fire, was first reported around 3:34 p.m. local time near the Los Angeles-Ventura County border. It quickly escalated to become the third-largest blaze, consuming 960 acres in under six hours.
The Palisades Fire, which started on Tuesday, has become the largest blaze, burning nearly 20,000 acres so far. The Eaton Fire, which ignited hours later, has already consumed 13,690 acres in Altadena.
The Palisades Fire is now 6% contained, with air operations beginning after winds died down, while the Eaton and Kenneth Fires remain uncontained.
Progress has been made on two smaller fires, the Hurst and Lidia Fires, which are now 10% and 60% contained, respectively. The Palisades and Eaton fires have destroyed or damaged 9,000 structures, including homes and businesses, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Financial firm JP Morgan has called these fires the most costly in California’s history, with economic losses estimated at nearly $50 billion and insured losses potentially surpassing $20 billion.
Authorities are investigating the Kenneth Fire as arson after detaining a suspect in connection with the blaze. The Los Angeles Police Department is treating the area where the fire began as a crime scene.
