Authorities discovered human remains Wednesday in the Eaton Fire zone in Altadena, increasing the number of deaths resulting from the devastating blaze to 18.
Personnel from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner were working Thursday to identify the deceased individual found by a six-member Special Operations Response Team in the 900 block of Boston Street, near Lake Avenue, according to the department.
Identifying the deceased person “can take considerable time,” according a DME statement.
The department “relies on complex scientific methods of identification in these cases due to the condition of the remains” including dental record and DNA comparisons, review of medical records or using radiographs to search for medical prosthetics and devices and their associated serial numbers, officials said.
The DME also works with law enforcement agencies to collect information on suspected missing persons to follow-up with their families.
The Eaton Fire was reported about 6:20 p.m. Jan. 7 near Altadena and Midwick drives in the foothills above Altadena amid extreme winds, according to Cal Fire. The fire burned over 14,000 acres through Jan. 31, destroying over 9,400 structures and damaging nearly 1,100 others.
Authorities are still investigating the fire’s cause. Multiple residents and local governments have filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison, alleging the utility’s equipment sparked the deadly blaze.
Another 12 people were killed in the Palisades Fire, bringing the LA wildfires’ total death toll to 30, the DME reported.
Supervisors approve small business aid for fire victims
In another effort to support Eaton Fire victims, the LA County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved pop-up retail and other commercial enterprises in vacant lots cleared of fire debris in Altadena.
The board authorized the county director of regional planning to approve applications for a five-year period, with a three-year base period and two possible one-year extensions.
Supervisors tasked the director of economic opportunity with setting aside 500 Youth@Work positions in fiscal year 2025-26 for youth impacted by the fire.
They also requested the CEO and other county departments return in 30 days with a plan to set up an America’s Job Center of California in Altadena.
Supervisors sought “to ensure priority access of worker and employer resources including job training, employer hiring and incentive supports, upskilling, resume and interview skills training, and rapid re-employment services,” according to the motion by Board Chair Kathryn Barger, whose district includes Altadena.
The temporary job center assists displaced workers in acquiring short-term and long-term recovery help, training, layoff aversion support and possibly setting up a worker equity fund that provides financial help to individuals as they complete training and transition into employment, according to the motion.
In collaboration with local city governments, the county is also calling for programs to assist small businesses impacted by the wildfires move into temporary space and establish marketing campaigns.
