LOS ANGELES () As the death toll from January’s historic and devastating Southern California wildfires continues to rise with the discovery of additional human remains, many residents are still struggling to get back on their feet.
More than six months later, the public and private resources for the thousands of residents forced to start new lives right after the new year are dwindling.
The Palisades and Eaton Fires destroyed about 16,000 homes. Palisades victims are going after the city of Los Angeles in court over the fire response and the lack of water. Eaton victims are targeting SoCal Edison, saying the utility company’s equipment may be linked to the start of the fire.
Of the 31 people confirmed dead in the blazes, only one other person has yet to be identified. That person’s remains were recovered on Jan. 14 on the 600 block of Lomas Avenue in Pacific Palisades.
This yet-to-be-identified person has since been added to LA County’s ongoing list of victims from January’s wildfires. The current tally is 31 deaths, including 12 in the Palisades Fire and now 19 in the Eaton Fire.
This is the first new wildfire victim located since April 2.
The Medical Examiner’s Office relies on complex scientific methods to identify human remains, which are typically in poor condition from the fires. Scientists utilize dental records, DNA comparison, radiographs, prosthetic serial numbers and other techniques to identify any remains that come into their possession.
affiliate KTLA in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
