As fire crews continue to battle the consuming wildfires Los Angeles County, officials said on Thursday that at least 36 people were still 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 Eaton Fire area and another in the Palisades Fire area.
“We continue to work with numerous partners, not only in recovering the remains, but ultimately in identifying the deceased and then notifying the next of kin,” said Luna.
Luna said it’s likely more remains will be discovered in those areas, which is why officials are maintaining evacuation orders around those locations.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM
Burnt-out classic cars stand like ghosts after being destroyed by a wildfire in Altadena, California, as seen Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
“As we go through some of these nets, there are areas we’re holding because we believe there are deceased victims there,” Luna said. “We have to wait for the right time and the right resources to properly process the scene, and that will take some time. Please bear with us.”
As the death toll rose to at least 25, officials also said there were at least 36 more exclusive in wildfire areas.
Residential areas affected by fire in Los Angeles, California on January 12, 2025. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Luna said that out of a total of 43 missing persons reported in the county, 12 of them were found safe. There are 31 active missing persons cases remaining, with 24 in the Eaton Fire area and seven in the Palisades.
Chief of Police of Los Angeles Jim McDonnell said eight more are missing in the city area. He said three are believed to be dead, while five are missing.
The Eaton and Palisades fires are two of the largest wildfires firefighters are battling.
A helicopter drops water on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Etienne Laurent)
Fire officials said the Eaton fire had burned an estimated 14,117 acres and was 55% contained Thursday. The Palisades Fire has consumed approximately 23,713 acres and is 22% contained.
LA WILDFIRES: AERIAL FIREFIGHTER LEADER SAYS FLAMES SHOULD BE A WAKE-UP CALL
Thousands of firefighters worked day and night to extinguish the fire and were able to make progress in containing the fire. strong winds that fueled the flames has weakened, according to officials.
Vehicles and a house burn as strong winds fan a devastating wildfire in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025. (REUTERS/David Swanson)
Despite the delay due to favorable weather conditions, officials warned of possible future weather threats, including strong Santa Ana winds arriving on Monday or Tuesday.
“There are more extreme winds on the horizon,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said. “It’s important to protect yourself and your family by planning, preparing and being aware.”
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Other officials warned that potential rainy weather later this month could lead to mudslides and debris flows into areas burned by the fires.
