Los Angeles, CA — The two largest wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles area, Palisades and Eaton, have claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced mass evacuations, according to KCRA.
As firefighters began to gain some control on Friday, January 10, 2025, residents and officials expressed cautious optimism while grappling with immense loss.
Among the deceased are Anthony Mitchell, 67, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy. The pair were unable to evacuate their Altadena home in time, according to Mitchell’s daughter.
Another victim, Victor Shaw, 66, was found with a garden hose in hand, having attempted to protect his property. Family members recalled their loved ones’ courage and the heartbreak of their loss.
The fires, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, have scorched over 56 square miles since igniting earlier this week. The Pacific Palisades fire alone has destroyed more than 5,300 structures, including homes, schools, churches, and historic landmarks such as the Topanga Ranch Motel and Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House. The Eaton Fire, burning north of Pasadena, has consumed over 5,000 structures.
Mass evacuations remain in place, displacing approximately 150,000 residents. Schools across the Los Angeles Unified School District were closed Friday due to heavy smoke blanketing the city. National Guard troops have been deployed to safeguard evacuated areas, and curfews are being enforced to prevent looting after several arrests.
With the weekend offering a temporary reprieve, fire crews continue battling the flames and aiding survivors. For many, recovery will be a long and arduous process as they confront the devastation left in the fire’s wake.
Compensation Available for Wildfire Victims
Those whose lives have been impacted by the recent wildfires may discover that their homeowner’s insurance will not cover all the costs to rebuild their homes and replace their possessions.
But when government agencies are found responsible for causing wildfires, victims shouldn’t have to bear the burden of recovery on their own. A California wildfire lawyer can guide victims through the process of seeing that negligent parties are held responsible for the damage they cause.
