Eaton Fire Death Toll Rises to 17, 89% Contained in Altadena

ALTADENA, Calif. — The Eaton Fire is now 89% contained, following a slight decrease in Santa Ana winds, but the death toll has tragically risen to 17, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.

The fire ignited on January 7 near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive, quickly expanding into one of California’s most devastating wildfires. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze.

As of Thursday morning, sheriff’s officials are investigating 24 missing persons reports linked to the fire. The fire has destroyed over 9,400 structures and damaged more than 1,000. A public health emergency has been declared in Pasadena, banning the use of gas-powered equipment to curb air pollution from ash.

“It looks like a war zone. I’ve never seen anything like it,” said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger about the affected areas.

Furthermore, five firefighters have been injured, and there are still ongoing grid searches in the region. L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna noted the urgency of the situation, saying the list of missing could change as residents are encouraged to report loved ones.

In response to the ongoing crisis, President Joe Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration on Wednesday, activating additional federal resources, including ten Navy helicopters to assist firefighting efforts.

Residents continue to face challenges, including a water advisory from Pasadena, urging residents not to use tap water for any consumption due to potential contamination. Bottled water is being distributed at designated locations.

The local community is coming together amidst the tragedy. Pasadena’s mayor, Victor Gordo, expressed condolences, stating, “We have experienced a tremendous tragedy.”

With recovery efforts underway, officials remain vigilant while investigating the potential role of Southern California Edison in the fire’s origin. The company has denied responsibility, citing a lack of operational anomalies before the fire started.

The recovery from the Eaton Fire will likely take years, as the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.