LOS ANGELES — The devastating wildfires tearing through Los Angeles County have claimed 16 lives, officials confirmed, as the infernos continue to burn for a fifth straight day.
The Palisades fire, which has charred 23,654 acres near the affluent coastal area, is responsible for five of the fatalities. Meanwhile, the Eaton fire in Altadena, northeast of downtown Los Angeles, has tragically claimed 11 lives, according to the LA County medical examiner.
In total, the fires have consumed 40,000 acres, destroying over 12,000 structures and displacing more than 150,000 people. Families have been forced to flee their homes, leaving behind belongings and memories, as firefighters battle the relentless blazes.
Despite their efforts, progress has been slow. The Palisades fire is just 11% contained, while containment on the Eaton fire has risen slightly to 15%, up from 3% on Friday.
The Hurst and Kenneth fires remain active, adding to the ongoing challenges, while firefighters have successfully contained the Archer and Lidia fires, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection__ Agencies
