Death toll rises to 24 as LA crews race to contain historic wildfires: Updates

Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the LA fires for Sunday, Jan. 12. For the latest updates on the Los Angeles wildfires in California, please read USA TODAY'S live updates for Monday, Jan. 13.

LOS ANGELES — Wildfires that have ignited across the Los Angeles area have left a trail of destruction, killing at least 24 people and destroying thousands of structures, officials said Sunday.

In an update Sunday evening, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner said a total of 24 people have died due to the wildfires. The cases remain under investigation by the department, which noted that only 10 have been confirmed as human remains.

Efforts to gain an upper hand against the deadly infernos continued on Sunday as ominous new wind warnings as flames threatened additional Southern California communities. Aircraft unloaded water and fire retardant on hills where the Palisades Fire — the most destructive in the history of Los Angeles — has scorched over 23,000 acres, destroying more homes, businesses, and numerous landmarks.

The expansion of the Palisades Fire, which was 13% contained, to the north and east spurred officials to issue evacuation orders and warnings to the west of the 405 freeway as the blaze put parts of Encino and Brentwood in peril.

Officials acknowledged that progress had been made but warned resurging winds could complicate efforts and enhance the risk level. Santa Ana winds that have fueled the blazes for the past week were picking up Sunday morning in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, then were expected to weaken in the afternoon before strengthening Sunday night through Wednesday, with the worst of it occurring on Tuesday.

North-northeast wind gusts between 35 to 55 mph were possible, according to Rich Thompson, an incident meteorologist with the National Weather Service. A red flag warning is in effect until Wednesday and Thompson warned that in addition to the strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation will contribute to very critical fire conditions.

"We're not out of the woods yet. We have some very significant fire weather ahead of us," Nancy Ward, director of the California Office of Emergency Services, said during a news conference Sunday afternoon. "We've prepositioned additional engines, fire crews, helicopters, bulldozers, water tenders across all of Southern California ... all poised to assist and support the additional fire threat."

The Palisades Fire is one of six blazes that have erupted since Tuesday, obliterating neighborhoods and leaving a catastrophic trail of destruction. Three of the six fires remained active on Sunday.

Get weather and fire alerts via text: Sign up to get current wildfire updates by location

Developments:

? More than 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the wildfires, which have consumed about 40,300 acres of total land, according to CalFire.

? Evacuation orders throughout the Los Angeles area now cover 105,000 residents. Another 87,000 residents have been warned that they may have to evacuate, fire officials said.

? The containment status of all three active fires: Palisades 13%; Eaton 27%; Hurst 89%. Three other blazes — Kenneth, Sunset, and Sunswept —  have been contained.

? California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an investigation into water supply issues that may have impeded firefighters' efforts.

? The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the U.S., will reopen almost all schools on Monday. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District said all Santa Monica schools, with the exception of Roosevelt Elementary, will also reopen on Monday. Meanwhile, Malibu schools will be closed through Wednesday and the Pasadena Unified School District will be closed through Friday.

The unrelenting toll: From unhoused folks to beachfront Malibu homeowners, wildfires hit all of LA society

In Altadena, a checkerboard of destruction

Firefighters from Mexico, Canada, and several other nearby states are assisting local and state personnel in combatting the blazes, according to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Arizona firefighters on Sunday were among those monitoring Altadena, California, a community north of Pasadena, where a mix of life past and present coexisted in the wake of the Eaton Fire. The fire has scorched over 14,000 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

“We're really trying to button up the area as best as possible before any anything else, before that wind comes in,” said Captain Shaun Jones of Central Arizona Fire and Medical about the threat of further fire from more Santa Ana winds forecast for early in the week.

Residential streets to the north alternated, randomly, between the houses lost to the fire that rolled down from the mountain early last week and those that withstood the inferno. Children’s playsets were covered in soot and swimming pools looked like black lagoons. Grayed-out chimneys were all that remained intact on most properties.

Jones said Central Arizona Fire had brought five engine trucks and a water tank to the scene and were doing tactical patrols to prevent flare-ups.

A seemingly unaffected yellow bungalow provided a pop of color on one devastated street. A squirrel could be seen running in front of the house that was guarded by a white picket fence. A fully stocked Little Free Library post stood curbside.

A small older-model Ford pickup appeared emblematic of the neighborhood’s condition — the front half of the white truck was toasted brown by the flames, while the rear had gone unscathed.

— Jose R. Gonzalez, Arizona Republic

Newsom: Death toll 'likely' to increase

Earlier Sunday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that 14 people have died so far, but acknowledged that the numbers might be different from those of the medical coroner.

Luna said search and rescue recovery operations involving the county sheriff’s department, coroner’s office, and county fire department are ongoing. Authorities are now conducting grid searchers with cadaver dogs, according to Luna.

“I don't expect good news from those,” Luna said.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported 24 fire-related deaths on Sunday evening. Eight deaths occurred in the Palisades Fire while 16 occurred in the Eaton Fire, according to the medical examiner.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom told NBC's "Meet the Press" in an interview that aired Sunday that "there's likely to be a lot more" fatalities in the wildfires devastating the Los Angeles area.

"We always have to be careful on the death toll," he said. "I've got search and rescue teams, we've got cadaver dogs out, and there's likely to be a lot more."

Discussions on returning evacuees to their homes will start Thursday

During Sunday's news conference, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said efforts to allow people from evacuation zones back to their communities will begin after the "next predicted red flag ends on Wednesday."

"To all residents, please be assured that we will continue to be here for you until the last fire is completely extinguished," Marrone said. "We stand alongside all of you as we begin to plan for the repopulation of evacuated areas, establishment of disaster recovery centers, and the rebuilding of your homes, your communities, and your lives."

Officials will begin talks on repopulating areas under evacuation orders and warnings "first thing Thursday," according to Marrone.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park said curfews remain in place for the Pacific Palisades and Brentwood neighborhoods, which is a "measure that is necessary to ensure public safety, as high winds are expected to pick up again."

"(The Palisades Fire) remains active, and as others have said, this situation is far from over," Park said. "Pacific Palisades still faces dangerous conditions, including downed power lines, broken gas and water pipes and now slide conditions because of water activity."

Park noted that the Los Angeles Police Department has suspended operations escorting residents back into evacuation zones to receive essential items due to the anticipated wind conditions and to bring utility personnel into the area to stabilize on-ground conditions.

Fire agencies investigating whether electrical equipment caused Hurst Fire

In a statement Sunday, Edison International and Southern California Edison — the primary electric utility company for much of the region — said fire agencies are investigating whether Edison electrical equipment was involved in the Hurst Fire.

The fire was reported at around 10:10 p.m. on Jan. 7 and preliminary information revealed that a circuit experienced a relay about a minute later, according to the company. A downed power line that was associated with the circuit was also found but Southern California Edison said it "does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire."

Minutes to flee: How the Palisades Fire rapidly expanded, devastating LA communities

Los Angeles officials warn residents against scams

Los Angeles officials are warning of scammers who are "actively targeting vulnerable individuals and families (and) exploiting their distress" during the deadly wildfires. In a Facebook post Sunday, the Los Angeles Police Department explained warning signs to help residents recognize and avoid common scams.

"Always trust your instincts. If something feels off, take a step back and verify before proceeding," the department said in the post.

Luna also addressed scams at a briefing Sunday morning and said those taking advantage of residents would face consequences. Luna said he has talked to officials, including the state attorney general, district attorney, and U.S. attorney, who are "eager to prosecute anybody who is taking advantage of our residents during this very difficult time."

That includes burglaries, white-collar crimes, and scams, Luna said, explaining he saw a man impersonating a firefighter in Malibu who was caught burglarizing a home.

Read more here.

— Hope Karnopp, USA TODAY Network

Community reduced to rubble looks to rebuild

Roughly 24 hours after a raging wildfire forced Neal Flesner to flee his Pacific Palisades home, he decided to hike four and a half miles back into the area from Santa Monica, California, with a man he had just met.

The fire was still growing – erratically burning through brush in the mountains surrounding the Palisades. But Flesner, 48, told USA TODAY that he was propelled by a "burning desire" to see firsthand the damage the blaze had wrought to his and his wife Carmen’s "happy place."

When he and his new friend got there, they found both of their homes gone. Flesner’s entire neighborhood in the Alphabet Streets area of the Palisades had been reduced to rubble. The only structure still standing, almost untouched, was his garage.

But Flesner is determined to rebuild what was once there.

"It was like small town USA, like Main Street USA in Big City, Los Angeles," he said. "I want to be part of the effort to just not rebuild the homes but rebuild the community, rebuild the culture, rebuild the life that we all shared and loved there." Read more here.

— Karissa Waddick and Sandy Hooper

16 reported missing; officials expect 'dozens' more

At least 16 people are reported missing as Los Angeles fire officials continue their search and rescue operations in areas devastated by the wildfires.

The tally includes 12 people in the Eaton fire and four in the Palisades fire, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in Sunday’s press briefing. No children have been reported missing, so far.

Luna said the sheriff’s department had received “dozens and dozens” of reports in the morning before the press briefing and will update the numbers accordingly.

He urges those with missing loved ones to contact their local law enforcement agency. People can also fill out an online form set up by the American Red Cross, which asks to provide as much detail as possible.

Hillside horror: How California's Eaton Fire rapidly expanded, decimating Altadena community

UCLA a 'ghost town' amid remote operations during wildfires

Evacuation zones have moved closer to UCLA, located in Los Angeles' Westwood neighborhood, and warnings and orders were in place near the campus. The university will host classes online until Jan. 17 after shutting down in-person lectures last week.

Though the sky over Westwood was powder blue and the brown pall of wildfire smoke consigned to the western edge of the sky, the UCLA campus was quiet on Sunday afternoon. A scattered few people moved through the heart of campus.

"It’s a ghost town," said Jeff Hall, a Brentwood, California, resident who walking through the campus with friends. Hall, founder of the Brentwood News, said he’s been staying with friends in Westwood since his home lost electricity.

“We’re sleeping better,” he said. “I feel like we’re relaxing.”

Allie Greene, a Westwood resident, brought her dog Piper for a walk on the grassy hill below the university’s Powell Library. The beaches Greene normally visits have had access restricted during the Palisades Fire.

"I just needed to get out and clear my head," Greene said.

She said she has kept a close eye on the fire’s progress, packing some non-essential items in her car and staging essentials by the door in case she needs to leave in a hurry.

"I will leave if we get an (evacuation warning). I’m not gonna wait until we get (an order)," she said.

She watched the 2019 Getty Fire stop before it could cross east over the concrete and asphalt of the 405 Freeway and said it gave her a false sense of security.

"You feel like you’re following along with Cal Fire and you understand (what’s happening)," she said, until things suddenly take a turn. "It’s the winds. It’s the embers."

— Isaiah Murtaugh, Ventura County Star

Trump invited to survey destruction

Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger told reporters Sunday she invited President-elect Donald Trump ? who takes office on Jan. 20 ? to visit the county to get a first-hand look at the destruction.

"In my years at the county, I've seen time and time again how essential a partner the federal government is when responding to an emergency and helping out communities recover," she said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she had a phone conversation with his administration to discuss the timing of such a visit.

Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly attacked Newsom on social media as the wildfires have raged in the southern part of the Golden State, often misspelling the governor's last name as "Newscum."

"The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost. There is death all over the place... they just can't put out the fires. What's wrong with them?" he said on his Truth Social media feed.

– Aysha Bagchi and Reuters

Canada to send firefighting help

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office released a statement Friday saying his Cabinet ministers were in touch with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and standing by for any additional requests.

Fire crews, aircraft and equipment from Canada, including from British Columbia and Quebec, were among the first on the scene to help battle the fires, according to the statement.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford also pledged their support. Ford later posted on X that he had directed every available water bomber to fight the fires.

"We’ll provide whatever personnel and equipment is needed and spare no expense to help our closest friends and allies," he said.

In 2023, Canada had an extreme wildfire season, and the U.S. sent more than 2,000 firefighters to help, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

– Miguel Torres

Mexico offers support; California 'deeply grateful'

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said in a news conference Friday that the country's secretary of foreign affairs had spoken with President Joe Biden and Newsom about sending support to Los Angeles.

The support team will include firefighters from Mexico’s National Forestry Commission and the National Secretary of Defense.

“We are going to send support, not just because the people and government of Mexico have always been giving, but also because there are many Mexican people in this zone of the United States,” she said.

She added that her government was coordinating with the U.S. to get the team dispatched.

Newsom issued a statement on X saying California was "deeply grateful" for Sheinbaum's support. Read more here.

– Miguel Torres

Los Angeles fires like 'visiting war zones'

Active duty U.S. military personnel stand ready to deploy to contain wildfires that have ripped through Los Angeles, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell said on Sunday in an interview on ABC's "This Week" program.

Criswell also said FEMA has the funding needed to support its response effort to the wildfires.

Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., was also on the program Sunday. He said he took a tour of the devastation and was reminded of the remnants left behind in an international conflict area.

"That frankly reminded me of visiting war zones, seeing that kind of devastation, just house after house, block after block," Schiff said.

In the past, he continued, California wildfires have sometimes left sporadic damage, where one house would be lost but others around it were fine. This time, whole neighborhoods are "all gone."

– Aysha Bagchi and Reuters

A '50% chance' their home is gone

Richard and Cathryn Conn evacuated from the Pacific Palisades neighborhood earlier this week, only to find out that much of their neighborhood had been decimated. But they still aren't sure about their four-bedroom house where they'd lived for over a quarter-century.

“You can visualize every room,’’ Richard Conn, 75, said, “and then you know there’s a 50% chance it doesn’t exist anymore."

“If you have ever wondered what it was like living in Dresden after the World War II firebombing, you should come to the Palisades," he said.

They also don't know what will happen next as dangerous weather conditions have made it difficult to contain the fires, and more brush fires seem to keep popping up all over the county.

"I feel like people are panicking,'' said Gary Baseman, 64. Read more here.

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY; Reuters

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles wildfires: Death toll climbs as crews race to combat winds