The number of deaths from the fires that broke out at the beginning of this week in the Los Angeles area, in southern California (USA), have increased to 16, according to the local medical examiner’s office.
According to the latest update made by the Los Angeles County medical examiner, 11 of those deaths are due to the Eaton firelocated northeast and near the cities of Pasadena and Altadena.
The other five correspond to the Palisades fire, the largest and most extensive so far, only 11% contained.
The new death toll comes at a time when crews of hundreds of firefighters They continue to fight this Saturday against the fires that originated last Tuesday, and in anticipation of the forecast of an increase in winds starting tonight that will hinder their work.
The fires They have devastated at least 15,000 hectares, destroyed about 12,000 structuresincluding cars, and are responsible for about thirteen people, among whom could be some of those reported dead, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.
As Luna reported today, rescuers have even used dogs who are experts in finding corpses. The Palisades fire, the most devastating of the active outbreaks, sand is moving eastward today, threatening residential neighborhoods like Brentwood -where personalities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger or LeBron James have homes- and Encino.
Jesús Ruiz, county spokesman, expressed his concern to the press and stated that the movement of the fire towards the east represents “significant progress”since it is moving rapidly towards a “highly populated” area.
This outbreak, responsible for burning almost 9,000 hectares, is also the most serious of those that remain active, and firefighters have only managed to contain it by 11%, although they have managed to completely control the Lidia fire today. While, so far Kenneth is 80% contained, Hurst is 76% and Eaton is 15% contained.
