Firefighters are battling wildfires in Los Angeles that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed 24 people. Authorities warn that the toll could rise.
Firefighters scrambled Sunday to make progress battling wildfires that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed 24 people in the Los Angeles area.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said in a statement Sunday evening that eight of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 16 to the Eaton Fire.
Authorities said they expected that figure to rise as teams accompanied by cadaver-detecting dogs carry out systematic searches in razed neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, 16 people are missing, and authorities have said the number is expected to rise. The authorities have set up a center where people can report the missing.
Forecasters have warned of dangerous weather conditions, with strong winds returning this week. According to Rich Thompson, meteorologist with the weather service, Tuesday will be the most dangerous day.
The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday, with sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts reaching 70 mph in the mountains.
Authorities have also set up an online database to allow evacuated residents to find out whether their homes have been damaged or destroyed.
In the meantime, Kristin Crowley, fire chief for the city of Los Angeles, asked the population to stay away from burned neighborhoods.
