As fire crews continue to battle the wildfires consuming Los Angeles County, officials on Thursday said at least 36 people remain missing while two additional deaths brought the toll to 25.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters during a news conference that search and rescue teams discovered one of the deceased in the Eaton Fire area and the other in the Palisades Fire area.
“We continue to work with multiple partners, not only in the recovery of remains, but then ultimately the identification of the deceased and then the notification to the next of kin,” Luna said.
Luna said it was likely that more remains would be discovered in these areas, which is why officials are keeping evacuation orders in place around those sites.
Thousands of fire personnel were working around the clock to combat the fires, and have been able to make progress in containment as the strong winds that fanned the flames weakened, according to officials.
Vehicles and a house burn as powerful winds fuel the devastating wildfires in Altadena, California, on Jan. 8, 2025. (REUTERS/David Swanson)
Despite the reprieve from favorable weather conditions, officials warned of possible future weather threats, including strong Santa Ana winds forecast to arrive Monday or Tuesday.
“There are more extreme winds on the horizon,” Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said. “It is important that you protect yourselves and your family by planning, preparing and staying aware.”
Other officials warned that a potential window for rain later this month could bring mudslides and debris flows to areas that have been scorched in the wildfires.
