Remains Found in Eaton Fire Zone; Death Toll Rises to 19

Human remains discovered in the Eaton Fire burn area in Altadena have increased the death toll from the Jan. 7 wildfire to 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner reported Tuesday.

“The death toll related to the wildfires is now 31 — 19 in the Eaton Fire and 12 in the Palisades (Fire),” according to a dispatch from the Medical Examiner’s office, which reported the remains found Monday in the 10 block of La Venezia Court, were examined by a six-member Special Operations Response Team.

The individual was not immediately identified and was listed as Doe #431.

The Department of Medical Examiner relies on complex scientific methods of identification in these cases due to the condition of the remains. The methods may include dental record comparison, DNA comparison, medical records review, or use of radiographs to look for medical prosthetics and devices with associated serial numbers.

The Medical Examiner’s office works with law enforcement agencies to gather information on suspected missing persons to conduct follow-ups with families, according to the department.

The Eaton Fire ignited around 6:20 p.m. Jan. 7 near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the foothills above Altadena during hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire. The blaze burned roughly 14,021 acres over 24 days, destroying about 9,414 structures and damaging another 1,074.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Twelve additional deaths have been confirmed in connection with the Palisades Fire, the Medical Examiner’s office said.