Increase in Los Angeles victim count.
Los Angeles Wildfires: A Devastating Toll and Ongoing Crisis
The Los Angeles wildfires, which have been raging since early January 2025, continue to pose a significant threat to the region. As of the latest update, official records show 31 direct deaths from the fires, but a recent study suggests the actual death toll is much higher.
The Eaton Fire near Pasadena, one of the five current fires, remains at zero percent containment. It has destroyed or damaged about 4,000 to 5,000 buildings and forced the evacuation of more than 360,000 people from the most affected areas. The so-called fire has also caused many people to wear masks for protection from harmful particles, as the smoke hanging over the city continues to obscure the sky.
Another fire, the Kenneth Fire, broke out in the West Hills and Hidden Hills area, adding to the chaos and destruction. More than 5,300 houses have been burned down in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood since Tuesday, and approximately 10,000 buildings have been destroyed by the wildfires in total.
The fires are still out of control, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has announced at least ten deaths. The study, published in JAMA, estimates that the actual death toll is about 440, taking into account not only the direct fatalities but also additional deaths likely caused by factors such as worsened heart or lung conditions due to smoke exposure, toxic air quality, and delays or interruptions in access to healthcare during the fires.
The ongoing crisis has affected many celebrities, including Paris Hilton, whose house in Malibu was destroyed by the wildfires. Bill Kaulitz, singer of Tokio Hotel, also had to evacuate his home due to the wildfires.
The Oscar nominations and the Producers Guild of America Awards announcements have been postponed due to the ongoing wildfires, and the Los Angeles Rams' playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings has been moved to Arizona due to concerns about air quality and police resources.
As the fires continue to burn, the police are considering implementing curfews due to the increase in crime during the wildfires. US Vice President Kamala Harris canceled a planned visit to Germany due to the wildfires, and schools are closed today due to poor air quality.
The total damage and economic losses could amount to 135 to 150 billion dollars (131 to 146 billion euros). The largest of the five current fires, the Palisades Fire, is burning on an area of around 8,000 hectares. The wildfires have brought unprecedented destruction and hardship to the Los Angeles area, and the crisis continues to unfold.
[1] Los Angeles Times [2] CNN [4] NPR [5] JAMA
- Despite the suspended sports events and postponed award announcements, the latest crime statistics in Los Angeles reveal an unexpected surge due to the wildfires, prompting the police to consider implementing curfews for public safety.
- While the economic impact of the Los Angeles wildfires continues to increase, reaching an estimated 135 to 150 billion dollars (131 to 146 billion euros), general news and crime-and-justice sections have reported multiple accidents caused by the chaotic evacuation process and poor visibility due to the smoke, contributing to the overall devastation and ongoing crisis.
