At least 16 dead as firefighters brace for worsening weather conditions as they battle blaze
12 January 2025, 07:54 | Updated: 12 January 2025, 13:31
The return of strong winds in LA are expected to spell more disaster - after the number of fire deaths increased to 16.
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At least 16 people are confirmed to have died in the wildfires so far, with the death toll set to rise again as searches begin across levelled neighbourhoods.
Five of the deaths were from the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire, the coroner's office said on Saturday.
Read more: 13 people missing and 22 arrested in wildfires as prisoners 'deployed to fight blazes'
It comes as firefighters are preparing for the return of strong winds, which could hinder their efforts in getting the fires under control.
The winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires into deadly infernos.
There has been no significant rainfall in more than eight months.
Follow the latest updates below.
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Winds set to peak on Sunday
Santa Ana winds are set to hit later on Sunday, with gusts of up to 70mph expected.
There are growing concerns that the winds will cause the fires to spread even further.
They are forecast to ease slightly but will strengthen again on Monday and Tuesday.
Trump responds to wildfire latest
Writing on Truth Social, he said: "The fires are still raging in L.A.
"The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out.
"Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost. There is death all over the place.
"This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country.
"They just can’t put out the fires. What’s wrong with them?"
Broken fire hydrant reports are 'false', LA water department says
In a statement, the department said claims the hydrants in Pacific Palisades were broken before the wildfires began are "misleading and false".
It "repaired every hydrant needing repairs as reported by LA Fire Department inspectors".
At least 35,000 still without power
Around 35,000 homes and businesses still have no electricity, according to Poweroutage.us.
California Governor Gavin Newsom thanks firefighters for efforts
Fire update
- Palisades Fire - 23,654 acres - 11% contained
- Eaton Fire - 14,117 acres - 15% contained
- Hurst Fire - 799 acres - 76% contained
- Kenneth Fire - 1,052 acres - 90% contained
- Lidia Fire - 395 acres - 100% contained
Evacuation order extended
Evacuation orders have been extended to Brentwood as the Palisades Fire continues to grow.
The area is home to the world famous J Paul Getty Museum.
Looters posing as firefighters
Police have made a number of arrests as looters continue to head into evacuated areas and steal from abandoned homes.
"We even made arrests of two individuals that were actually posing as firefighters coming in and out of houses," an LAPD spokesperson said.
Death toll rise to 16
The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office confirmed the death toll from the wildfires ravaging the area has risen to 16.
Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire, and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire, the coroner's office said in a statement on Saturday evening.
