Wildfires Claim 10 Lives and Devastate Over 10,000 Structures

The massive wildfires continuing to burn across Los Angeles County and Southern California have left at least 10 individuals dead and over 10,000 homes and businesses destroyed.

As of Thursday night, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the agency had “received notification of 10 fire-related deaths.” According to Fox News, at least five of the wildfire deaths were attributed to the Eaton Fire, and two were attributed to the Palisades Fire.

Cal Fire reported that the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Kenneth Fire, and Lidia Fire have currently burned nearly 36,000 acres. Fire officials reported that the Palisades Fire, which is the largest of the five major California wildfires, has burned roughly 20,000 acres and is only 8% contained. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has burned over 13,500 acres and is only 3% contained.

According to Cal Fire’s website, over 10,000 structures have been destroyed in Southern California as a result of the massive wildfires.

READ MORE: Videos/Pics: 5 killed, 179,000 under evacuation orders as wildfires devastate Calif.

The Washington Post reported that Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told reporters, “It is safe to say that the Palisades Fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.”

KTLA reported that one of the victims killed in the California wildfires has been identified as 66-year-old Victor Shaw, who was reportedly found holding onto a garden hose that he was using to try to save his family’s home.

Shari Shaw, Victor Shaw’s sister, told KTLA that a family friend discovered his deceased body on the side of the road after he decided to stay behind and try to fight the fire. Shari Shaw said, “They just told me that he was lying on the ground and that he looked serene, as if he was at peace.” 

The Washington Post reported that two of the other wildfire victims were Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee, and his son Justin, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Mitchell’s daughter, Hajime White, told the outlet that the two victims were waiting for an ambulance to arrive when they were killed by the wildfires.

CBS News reported that another victim was identified as Rodney Nickerson, an 83-year-old grandfather. Nickerson’s daughter told the outlet, “We found his bones, his whole body was intact.”