Los Angeles Wildfire Engulfs 145 Square Kilometers, Death Toll Reaches 16

Los Angeles Wildfire Engulfs 145 Square Kilometers, Death Toll Reaches 16

Los Angeles, January 12 - The death toll in the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles has risen to 16. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that 5 people died in the Palisades fire and 11 in the Eaton fire. The previous death toll was 11, but authorities have stated that more bodies are expected to be recovered from the debris.

The destruction caused by the fire may intensify as strong Santa Ana winds are likely to spread the blaze further, particularly toward the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles. Intense fighting is taking place in Mandeville Canyon, where firefighters are working to extinguish the flames.

County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said, "As the Palisades fire spreads northeast, more residents are being evacuated to safer locations."

Meanwhile, the weather office has issued a warning that the return of the Santa Ana winds could exacerbate the fire’s spread.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated, "The work of recovering bodies from the debris is ongoing, and residents are being urged to avoid the area until the roads are cleared."

The wildfire has so far scorched 145 square kilometers (56 square miles) of land, leaving thousands of people homeless. The fire is now considered the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history. Preliminary estimates suggest that the damage could range between 135 to 150 billion dollars.

Authorities have instructed residents not to visit the affected areas until they have been cleared, as the ash may contain toxic substances.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief Christine Crowley has criticized the city's leadership for not providing adequate funding, which she claims has hindered their efforts. Governor Gavin Newsom has also ordered an investigation into the reservoir issues.

On the other hand, some progress has been made in the Eaton fire, and evacuation orders for certain areas have been lifted. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, "We must work together to address this crisis."