Thursday, April 3, 2025

Remains of 18th Eaton Fire Victim Found in Altadena

Cell phone images of the first moments after the Eaton Fire ignited on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, on the mountainside opposite Midwick Drive’s terminus at N. Altadena Drive in Altadena. [Jennifer Errico]

Death toll from Southern California wildfires rises to 30

Human remains discovered Wednesday in Altadena have been confirmed as the 18th victim of the Eaton Fire, bringing the total death toll from recent Southern California wildfires to 30.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner Special Operations Response Team responded to the 900 block of Boston Street where they investigated and confirmed the remains were human.

Officials report 18 deaths are now attributed to the Eaton Fire and 12 to the Palisades Fire.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner faces challenges identifying remains due to their condition, relying on dental records, DNA comparison, medical records review and radiographs to look for medical prosthetics or devices with associated serial numbers.

Authorities are working with law enforcement agencies to gather information on suspected missing persons and conduct follow-up with families. Officials caution that the complex identification process may take considerable time to confirm a decedent’s identity in these types of cases.

Prior to Wednesday’s discovery, the last remains were found on Jan. 15, 2025, in the  20 block of E. Palm St. in Altadena.

The Eaton Fire was reported about 6:20 p.m. Jan. 7 in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid hurricane force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire. The fire burned approximately 14,021 acres in 24 days, destroying about 9,414 structures and damaging 1,074 other, according to Cal Fire.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Another 12 people were killed in the Palisades Fire, according to the DME.