Human remains found in the Eaton Fire burn zone in Altadena have increased the death toll from the January wildfire to 19, authorities said Tuesday.
The death toll related to the Los Angeles wildfires is now 31, including 12 people who died in the Palisades Fire, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. The remains were discovered Monday in the 10 block of La Venezia Court and were examined by a six-member Special Operations Response Team.
The individual, listed as Doe #431, was not identified.
Because of the condition of the remains, medical examiner analysts rely on complex scientific methods to try to identify the individual, including dental record and DNA comparisons, medical records reviews and the use of radiographs to look for prosthetics and medical devices that have traceable serial numbers.
The medical examiner’s office works with law enforcement agencies to gather information on suspected missing persons to conduct follow-ups with families, officials said.
The Eaton Fire started on the evening of Jan. 7 near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid extremely fast winds, according to Cal Fire. The blaze burned over 14,021 acres over 24 days and destroyed or damaged nearly 10,500 structures.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
