Palisades and Eaton Fires now among most destructive wildfires recorded in California history
Two Los Angeles County wildfires which tore through more than 30,000 acres in three days, killing at least five people and destroying more than 2,000 structures, are now among the 20 most destructive fires recorded in the state of California.
On Thursday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection added the Eaton and Palisades fires — which are both still burning with 0% containment after sparking Tuesday — to the state's list of most destructive wildfires. The list goes back to 1932, when state fire officials first started tracking death and destruction figures for wildfires.
No other blazes in Los Angeles County appear on the state's list of 20 most destructive in California history.
Homes have been burned to the ground and several buildings completely destroyed. Schools, restaurants, churches, grocery stores and beloved LA landmarks have all been among those reduced to rubble and debris this week.
"It's all burned down. Everything — my kids' school, our community, our neighbors' houses. Everything is just burned down. Everything is gone," said an Altadena woman whose home was destroyed, speaking through tears as she looked out at a desolate intersection.
Powerful winds swept the flames of the Eaton Fire through the community, leaving at least five people dead, authorities said.
Human remains have been discovered in the Palisades Fire, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed Thursday morning. However, authorities have not given an estimate for the number of people killed in that wildfire.
During a Thursday afternoon news conference, law enforcement officials said there have been at least five people killed across both fires.
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna has said there are no clear estimates yet because deputies are still searching through the debris with K-9 units, looking for human remains while firefighting efforts continue against the actively burning blazes. He said deputies will "hopefully not discover too many fatalities" although what ends up happening remains to be seen.
"That's our prayer. But this is a crisis, and we don't know what to expect. But we're ready for everything," Luna said.
