2025 — Jan 7-22, Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, wildfires start Jan 7, Lidia start Jan 8 LA Co.–29

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 1-21-2025 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–29  LA Co. Med. Exam. “Wildfires Update. Another Person Identified by Medical Examiner. 2-13-2025.[1]

–29  LA County Med. Exam. “Wildfires Update. Medical Examiner Confirms Identity…”2-10-2025.[2]

–29  Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Wildfire Update. 29th Death Reported…”

            List of named and “Unidentified Doe” deaths totals 29.

–29  People. “Los Angeles Wildfire Death Toll Rises to 29…” 1-28-2025.

            –17  Eaton Fire

            –12  Palisades Fire

–28  Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Fire-Related Deaths at 4:30 p.m. on January 21.”

–27  Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Fire-Related Deaths at 4 p.m. on January 16.”

–25  Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Fire-Related Deaths at 4 p.m. on January 15.”

–25  Los Angeles Times. “Death toll from Palisades and Eaton fires climbs to 25.” 1-12-2025.

            –17  Eaton Fire

            —  8  Palisades Fire.

–24  CNN. “24 people have died due to the fires.” 1-12-2025.

            –16  Eaton Fire

            —  8  Palisades Fire

–16  AP. “16 dead, 16 missing as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes…” 1-12-2025.[3]

            –11  Eaton Fire.

            —  5  Palisades Fire

–11  Day. “Medical examiner continues working to identify… Victorville Daily Press, CA. 1-11-2025.

–10  New York Times. “Who Are the Victims of the Los Angeles Fires?” 1-10-2025.

 

Narrative Information

 

Jan 10, NBC News: “Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted Tuesday [Jan 7] and roared across the Los Angeles area, destroying hundreds of homes and killing at least 10 people. A Los Angeles County fire official said an untold number of significant injuries were linked to two of the fires, and a city official in Los Angeles described Tuesday night as “one of the most devastating and terrifying” that she had seen in her corner of the city….

 

“The Palisades Fire erupted Tuesday morning [Jan 7] in Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles County neighborhood east of Malibu, as a brush fire. The blaze had grown to 19,978 acres by Thursday evening, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire. It was 6% contained.

 

“The Eaton Fire ignited Tuesday night near a canyon in the sprawling national forest lands north of downtown Los Angeles and had exploded to 13,690 acres by Thursday, according to Cal Fire. It was 0% contained. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the blaze could damage or destroy up to 5,000 structures.

 

“The Hurst Fire started Tuesday night in Sylmar, a suburban neighborhood north of San Fernando, as a brush fire and quickly grew to 500 acres, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristen Crowley said. By Thursday night it had expanded to 771 acres and was 37% contained, according to Cal Fire.

 

“The Lidia Fire broke out near the community of Acton in a region between the Sierra Pelona and San Gabriel mountains Wednesday afternoon. By Thursday night, it was 394 acres with 75% containment, according to Cal Fire.

 

“The Kenneth Fire started burning Thursday evening in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, near the Calabasas neighborhood, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. It covered 960 acres and was 0% contained Thursday night, but officials said forward progress of the fire has been stopped.

 

“The Sunset Fire sparked in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles near Runyon Canyon shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday, prompting mandatory evacuations. By Wednesday evening it stretched 60 acres, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The blaze was 100% contained as of Thursday afternoon, the city announced.

 

“Nearly 180,000 people were under evacuation orders due to the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Lidia fires in Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday. Another 200,000 residents are under evacuation warnings.

 

“More than 100,000 people have been evacuated, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo told reporters Wednesday in discussing the Eaton Fire, and 100,000 have been told they may need to evacuate because they live in a danger zone.

 

“Roughly 37,000 people in the path of the Palisades Fire were ordered to leave their homes in the cities of Calabasas, Malibu and Los Angeles, law enforcement and fire officials said.

 

“More than 3,000 people in the Sylmar area were also under emergency evacuation orders, Crowley said.

 

“As of Thursday night, at least 10 people had died in the fires, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office. The office said it could take weeks to confirm the identities of those killed.

 

“Officials said earlier Thursday that four people had died in the Eaton Fire and two in the Palisades Fire. It was not immediately clear whether they were included in the 10 from the medical examiner’s office.

 

“Officials are just beginning to access areas for welfare checks and missing person reports, and they warned that the death toll could grow.

 

“There have been significant injuries in the Eaton Fire, according to Marrone.

 

“Marrone said a significant number of people who did not heed evacuation orders have been injured in the Palisades Fire.

 

“Thousands of structures, which include homes, commercial buildings and vehicles, have been damaged or destroyed.

 

“An aerial survey shows an estimated 5,316 structures destroyed in the Palisades Fire, Cal Fire said Thursday, and Marrone said around 4,000 to 5,000 structures could be damaged or destroyed in the Eaton Fire….

 

“The insured losses from this week’s fires may exceed $20 billion, and total economic losses could reach $50 billion, according to estimates published by JPMorgan on Thursday. Those losses would far exceed the $12.5 billion in insured damages from the 2018 Camp Fire, which until now was the costliest blaze in the country’s history, according to data from Aon.

 

“What led to the fires?

 

“The combination of drought-like conditions — Southern California has had less than 10% of average rainfall since Oct. 1 — and powerful offshore winds that hit the region Tuesday prompted fire weather that was, in the words of the National Weather Service, ‘about as bad as it gets.’ The agency issued a red flag warning — indicating an increased risk for fire danger — to 19 million people. Wind gusts topping 70 mph were recorded at several locations across the region.

 

“Swain pointed to the weather whiplash California has experienced in recent years — lurching between drought and heavy rainfall — and said such swings are a key element of the fire weather gripping the region….

 

“Red flag warnings remain in effect across parts of Southern California through Friday [Jan 10]. Winds are expected to increase across the region Thursday night, according to the Los Angeles office of the National Weather Service….” (NBC News (Tim Stellow, Marlene Lenthang and Rebecca Cohen). “California wildfires: What we know about L.A. fire evacuations, maps, what caused it, who is affected and more.” 1-8-2025, updated 1-10-2025.)

 

Jan 10, CNN: “….Whole neighborhoods have been devastated, with as many as 10,000 structures destroyed by the coastal Palisades Fire, expected to be the costliest in US history and the Eaton Fire. Curfews are in place as police patrol for and arrest looters.” (CNN. “Los Angeles wildfires: At least 10 dead and whole neighborhoods destroyed as distraught residents flee.” 1-10-2025.)

 

Jan 10, CNN on looting: “A curfew is in place across areas of Los Angeles County under evacuation orders from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly, as authorities look to crack down on looters in the areas hit by wildfires. The curfew will last until county officials lift the order. It bars people from public places in evacuation zones, except those working on the fire response or seeking medical treatment. Anyone caught violating the curfew could face fines of up to $1,000 or a prison sentence of up to six months.

 

“It comes after California Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a request for National Guard assistance from Los Angeles County, and warned: ‘To those who would seek to take advantage of evacuated communities, let me be clear: looting will not be tolerated.’ Hundreds of members of the National Guard have been sent to boost the capacity of local law enforcement and stationed at traffic control points to ensure safety, according to a statement from Newsom’s office

 

“At least 20 people have been arrested in the county for looting during the wildfires, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said at a news conference Thursday. ‘We will not allow this to continue to happen,’ she said, calling the looters ‘opportunists’ and adding: ‘I will not stand by and allow an already traumatic experience to be further compounded.’” (CNN. “Nighttime curfew in place across evacuation zones amid looting arrests.” 1-10-2025.)

 

New York Times. “Who Are the Victims of the Los Angeles Fires?” 1-10-2025:

“Three of the people who died in the fires raging around Los Angeles lived within a few blocks of each other, in a close-knit neighborhood in the eastern portion of the county. The area abutted Angeles National Forest, and local residents said many people had lived there for generations, handing down homes they bought decades ago and that they had meticulously kept up.

 

“One of the victims was found near a garden hose he had been using to spray his house as the fire bore down.

 

“At least 10 people in total died across Los Angeles County, according to officials. Among them, three people died in the Eaton fire in the east, and two in the Palisades fire near the coast….

 

“Here is what we know about the victims:

 

“Victor Shaw’s tiled-roof house sat on Monterosa Drive, a cul-de-sac near the edge of the forest. After the evacuation call went out late Tuesday night, one of Mr. Shaw’s neighbors, Willie Jackson, 81, packed his car, grabbing whatever belongings he could from the home where he had lived since the 1970s and left. So did other neighbors. But not Mr. Shaw, 66, who had lived on Monterosa beginning in childhood. He remained behind, doing what his father before him had always done — maintaining the family home…. After the fire passed, Mr. Jackson’s son, William Jackson Jr., came to help his father survey the damage, and found a relative of Mr. Shaw’s walking up to the house to look for him. They started to call his name, ‘thinking maybe he’s injured, knocked unconscious from some debris, or something,’ the younger Mr. Jackson said. They found him lying in his front yard clutching a garden hose, with a gutter pipe laid over his left arm. ‘He was out here trying to fight the fire by himself,’ William Jackson said.

 

“Rodney Nickerson, 82, also died, according to his family. He lived on a street that was just a short walk from Mr. Shaw’s home, although it is unclear if they knew one another…. [Rodney Kent Nickerson, 83, had reassured loved ones that he would be fine as his family and neighbors tried to get him to evacuate his Altadena home, his daughter Kimiko Nickerson told KCAL News. ‘My son tried to get him to leave, and my neighbors and myself and he said he’ll be fine, I’ll be here when you guys come back. And he said his house would be here,’ she said.[4]]

 

“Erliene Kelley [83], who lived a few blocks away from Mr. Shaw and Mr. Nickerson, died in her home, according to her family…. [Her daughter “Navarro said she was at the family’s Altadena home — where she lived with her husband, two daughters and grandmother — when she looked out a window and saw smoke…. ‘My husband, he’s not from out here, so he kind of was looking at it a little different than we were,’ Navarro said. ‘We asked (my grandmother) … and she’s like, ‘No, no I’m fine. You guys go ahead.’[5]]

 

“The chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Anthony Marrone, said “human remains detection teams” would be going house to house, searching for others who might have died in the Eaton fire. Earlier in the day, Mr. Luna said they might employ dogs to help.

 

“Officials confirmed that two people died in the Palisades fire, on the other side of the county….”

 

NBC News. “What we know about the victims killed in the California wildfires.” 1-10-2025:

 

Anthony and Justin Mitchel. “….The 67-year-old great-grandfather of 10, who shared the same name as his son, died in his Altadena home. Anthony’s younger brother, Justin Mitchell, also died. Anthony [son] said his father used a wheelchair after having a leg amputated last year and refused to leave Justin, who had cerebral palsy and did not walk. ‘He probably could have gotten himself out but he wasn’t going to leave my brother,’ he told NBC News on Friday. ‘He really loved his kids.’ Anthony said he last spoke to his father around 5 a.m. on Wednesday. His father said they were waiting to be evacuated but about 30 minutes later, his father called another family member and said he could see the fire across the street from the home.

 

Jan 11, Brian Day/Victorville Daily Press, CA:

“….Eleven deaths were attributed to the wildfires as of Saturday, including five from the Palisades Fire burning in Los Angeles and six from the Eaton Fire burning through the Altadena and Pasadena area, according to the agency….

 

“The body of Eaton Fire victim Victor Shaw, 66, was found Wednesday inside a home in the 3400 block of Monterosa Drive in Ponderosa in Altadena, according to medical examiner’s records. An autopsy determined he died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, and the death was ruled accidental.

 

“The five other Eaton Fire fatalities were found:

  • 8 in the 300 block of Alta Pine Drive in Altadena
  • 8 in the 100 block of West Terrace Street in Altadena
  • 9 in the 3200 block of Tonia Avenue in Altadena
  • 9 in the 3200 block of Tonia Avenue in Altadena
  • 9 in the 100 block of East Las Flores Drive in Altadena

At the Palisades Fire, bodies were discovered:

  • 8 in an unspecified location
  • 9 in the 20900 block of Pacific Coast Hwy in Malibu
  • 9 in the 20400 block of Roca Chica Drive in Malibu
  • 9 in the 15300 block of Friends Street in Pacific Palisades
  • 9 in the 22100 block of Swenson Drive in Topanga

Jan 11, CNN: “Firefighters are rushing to shore up containment lines around the wildfires raging across Los Angeles County ahead of another wind event that threatens to further fan the flames. While crews have reported some progress, there’s ‘a very significant concern’ the wildfires will continue to grow, Cal Fire Battalion Chief David Acuna told CNN Saturday.

 

“The Palisades Fire — which destroyed thousands of homes and other structures when it broke out in the Pacific Palisades near Malibu — has been spreading east and threatening more communities. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass encouraged residents to continue following evacuation orders.

 

“Here are the latest updates:

 

“Palisades Fire: The wildfire has grown to 22,660 acres and is at 11% containment as it pushes inland through Brentwood, up into the Bel-Air area, with a second front moving toward the Valley, Encino, and Sherman Oaks areas of Los Angeles. Heavier firefighting resources are being moved to the fire’s eastern flank, in Mandeville Canyon, authorities said.

 

“The forecast: Heightened fire weather conditions will return Saturday after a brief lull Friday night, with gusty offshore winds expected along the coast of Southern California. The area will start to see the single-digit wind speed numbers jump up to the through the 20 or 30 mph range overnight hours and continuing into Sunday, according to CNN meteorologist Allison Chinchar.

 

“Crews make progress: The Eaton Fire burning near Altadena is now 15% contained at 14,117 acres, while the Kenneth Fire is now 80% contained at 1,052 acres and the Hurst Fire is 76% contained at 799 acres, according to Cal Fire.

….

“More help on the way: Local crews battling the flames will be joined by firefighters from other parts of California, as well as from seven other states, Canada and Mexico, according to Cal Fire. Texas is also sending more than 135 firefighters, and other personnel, as well as fire engines, ambulances and equipment…

 

“Some victims identified: Authorities have confirmed at least 11 deaths from the wildfires, but say it’s not yet safe to assess the true total because of hazards in the burn areas. The victims have been identified as Annette Rossilli, Erliene Kelley, Victor Shaw, Rodney Nickerson, and Anthony and Justin Mitchell….” (CNN. “Crews are racing to contain Los Angeles wildfires before winds spike again.” 1-11-2025.)

 

Jan 11, NBC News: “….Rory Sykes. Former Australian child star Rory Sykes, who was born blind and had cerebral palsy, died Wednesday in the California wildfires after his mother said she was unable to save him from his burning cottage. The actor, 32, who starred in the late-’90s British TV show “Kiddy Kapers,” was living in a cottage on his family’s 17-acre Malibu estate that was engulfed by flames on Wednesday. Shelley Sykes said it burned down in the Palisades Fire when she ‘couldn’t put out the cinders on his roof with a hose’ because of a lack of water. She told Australian outlet 10 New First that she has a broken arm and could not lift or move her son. ‘He said, ‘Mom, leave me.’ And no mom could leave their kid,’ she said, crying. Shelley Sykes said she drove to the local fire department for help, but they told her they did not have any water. She said when the fire department brought her back, Rory’s ‘cottage was burnt to the ground.’” (NBC News/Minyvonne Burke and Liz Kreutz. “What we know about the victims killed in the California wildfires.” 1-10-2025, updated 1-11-2025.)

 

Jan 12, Los Angeles Times: “The number of confirmed deaths from the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires jumped to 25 as of Monday morning. Eight of the fire victims died in the Palisades fire and 17 in the Eaton fire in Altadena, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner and Sheriff Robert Luna. Two of the victims have been officially identified by the medical examiner, and The Times has identified eight others.” (Los Angeles Times. “Death toll from Palisades and Eaton fires climbs to 25.” 1-12-2025.)

 

Jan 14, CNN: “(CNN) – Less than a month before fires swept across Los Angeles, a group of longtime firefighters gathered at City Hall to plead for more resources. They were at a ‘breaking point,’ one said. Another revealed that million-dollar fire trucks sat idle because budget cuts had shrunk the number of mechanics available to fix them. ‘I’m going to say what people can’t say,’ said Freddy Escobar, president of the city’s fire union and a veteran firefighter. ‘If we cut one position, if we close one station … the residents of Los Angeles are going to pay the ultimate sacrifice, and someone will die.’

“The firefighters’ concerns over resources, it seems, weren’t off the mark. A CNN analysis of the most recent data available from the 10 largest US cities and other comparable departments shows the Los Angeles Fire Department is less staffed than almost any other major city, leaving it struggling to meet both daily emergencies and larger disasters such as wildfires.

 

“Despite being located in one of the most fire-prone areas in the country, the LAFD has less than one firefighter for every 1,000 residents. That compares to cities such as Chicago, Dallas and Houston, where staffing is closer to two firefighters for the same number of residents. Of the largest cities, only San Diego has fewer firefighters per capita. Up the coast from LA, the city of San Francisco boasts more than 1,800 firefighters for around 1.5 million residents of the city and nearby communities, while LA has roughly 3,500 firefighters allotted to serve a city of nearly 4 million.

 

“Experts have said no fire department in the world would have been able to take on such a perfect storm of conditions that resulted in LA’s devastating blazes – which have burned more than 40,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and caused at least 24 deaths.

 

“LA’s firefighters were joined by crews from across the state, including from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which covers areas outside the city, including hard-hit Altadena. But images of residents in some neighborhoods trying to save homes with garden hoses and no firefighters in sight have sparked a new debate over whether city officials should have planned better and invested more in the LAFD, and what should be done to become better positioned for the next emergency.

 

“One of the speakers joining firefighters at the Fire Commission meeting last month was City Councilmember Traci Park. She warned resources were being strained ‘beyond the brink’ despite a dangerously increasing risk of wildfire. ‘Time and time again, elected leaders in Los Angeles have failed to make meaningful investments in our public safety and as a result, Angelenos are suffering the consequences,’ Park said….

 

“In a memo from the end of last year, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley also expressed concerns that the fire department’s staffing levels were half the size that a professional fire department should be, based on benchmarks recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. In the memo, which the city has since removed from its website, Crowley wrote that the city’s population had grown from about 2.5 million in 1960 to nearly 4 million in 2020. Yet the city has fewer fire stations today than it did back then, even as firefighters respond to a call volume that has quadrupled. Crowley wrote that based on an analysis, the agency would need 62 new fire stations and hundreds more firefighters to meet the nationwide average for fire departments in densely populated cities.

 

“LA Mayor Karen Bass has faced criticism for recent budget cuts at the department, though she defended them at a press conference last week as a product of “tough budgetary times” and said the “impact of our budget really did not affect what we’ve been going through.” She also said additional funding was allocated later that ultimately represented an increase in the agency’s budget. Bass and the fire department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on CNN’s findings.

 

“The fire union says that the neglect of the agency is a problem that long predates Bass….

 

“In 2011, Los Angeles placed near dead last in a ranking of fire department staffing for the country’s 40 largest cities. The study, conducted by a New York City labor union, reviewed metrics including the number of firefighters, stations and engines….” (CNN. ‘Beyond the brink’: Data shows LA Fire Department among the most understaffed in America.” 1-14-2025.)

 

Jan 15, CNN: “While the wildfires in Los Angeles County have not grown in the last few days, the real issue is smoldering hot spots that can burn down into the root systems of trees and bushes where fire can linger. Firefighting is in a critical period as dangerous winds fueling an extreme fire threat are expected to last until roughly mid-afternoon in parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. If the wind picks back up, it could carry an ember and potentially spark another fire. Residents who evacuated are eager to return, but officials cautioned on Wednesday that significant safety and infrastructure issues remain, along with toxic ash.” (CNN. “The wildfires have not grown in recent days, but smoldering hot spots remain a key issue.” 1-15-2025.)

 

Named Fatalities[6]

(The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner dates are for “death pronounced.”)

 

  1. Altmetz, Oswald 75        Altadena          30 bock W. Pine Street.           Jan 11[7]
  2. Burns, Carolyn 56        Altadena          800 block E. Sacramento St.   Jan 10[8]
  3. Cridland, Edwin 94        Altadena          200 block Wapello St.             Jan 11[9]
  4. Curry, Dalyce[10]             95        Altadena          3000 block Krenz Ave.           Jan 8
  5. Kelley, Erliene Louise[11] 83        Altadena          3287 Tonia Avenue                 Jan 9[12]
  6. Lewis, Barbara 84        Altadena          20 block E. Palm St.              Jan 20[13]
  7. McClendon, Evelyn[14] 59        Altadena          100 block E. Las Flores Dr.    Jan 9[15]
  8. McKenna, Patricia[16] 77        Altadena          500 block Punahou St.            Jan 12.
  9. Miod, Randall “Randy” [17] 55        Malibu             20967 Pacific Coast Hwy.[18]   Jan 9[19]
  10. Mitchell, Anthony             67        Altadena          156 W. Terrance Street            Jan 8[20]
  11. Mitchell, Justin             20s       Altadena          156 W. Terrance Street            Jan 8[21]
  12. Morgan, Elizabeth Palisades          20 block Aloha Dr.                Jan 20[22]
  13. Mortimer, Charles[23] 84        Palisades          Died at hospital[24]                    Jan 8
  14. Nickerson, Rodney Kent[25] 83        Altadena          Died at residence                     Jan 8[26]
  15. O’Meara, Betty 94        Malibu             20400 block Roca Chica Dr.   Jan 9[27]
  16. Rossilli, Annette 85        Palisades[28]       15300 block Friends St.          Jan 9[29]
  17. Shaw, Victor[30]             66        Altadena          3400 block of Monterosa Dr.  Jan 8[31]
  18. Shterenberg, Mark 80        Palisades          1000 block Glenhaven Dr.      Jan 11[32]
  19. Simoneau, Arthur[33] 69        Topanga          22100 block Swenson Dr.       Jan 10[34]
  20. Swayne, Lora 71        Altadena          500 block E. Las Flores         Jan 11[35]
  21. Sykes, Rory Callum 32        Malibu             1700 block Rambla Pacifico[36]Jan 8[37]
  22. Takeyama, Jeffrey 69        Malibu             23300 block W. Paloma Blanca Jan 12[38]
  23. Webb, Diana 82        Malibu         20900 block Pacific Coast Hwy Jan 12[39]
  24. Winiecki, Kim[40] 77        Altadena[41]
  25. Wong, Hak Palisades         Hospital death                       Jan 25[42]
  26. Zhao, Zhi Feng 84[43]     Altadena          3200 block Tonia Avenue       Jan 9[44]
  27. Unidentified Doe #31 Altadena          100 block W. Terrace St.[45]
  28. Unidentified Doe #37 Altadena          100 block E. Las Flores Dr.[46]
  29. Unidentified Doe #49 Altadena          80 block W. Mariposa St.        Jan 12
  30. Unidentified Doe #50 Altadena          2500 Marengo Ave.               Jan 12[47]
  31. Unidentified Doe #54 Palisades          600 block Las Lomas Ave.    Jan 12[48]

 

Sources

 

ABC News. “California fires live updates: 16 fire-related deaths, medical examiner says.” 1-12-2025. Accessed 1-12-2025 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/california-fires-live-updates-santa-ana-winds-rage/?id=117541907

 

Associated Press. “16 dead, 16 missing as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes before winds return this week.” 1-12-2025. Accessed 1-12-2025 at: https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfires-southern-california-c5826e0ab8db965cb2814132ff54ee6f

 

CBS News. “Victims killed in the L.A. wildfires include father and son, world traveler, former child actor.” 1-14-2025. Accessed 1-14-2025 at:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/victims-killed-los-angeles-wildfires/

 

CNN. “24 people have died due to the fires.” 1-12-2025. Accessed 1-13-2025 at: https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-12-25#cm5uabzk5000t3b6npi2htbdr

 

CNN. “A father at the bedside of his son, a surfer and a woman who stayed behind with her beloved pets are among wildfire victims.” 1-13-2025. Accessed 1-13-2025 at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/11/us/california-wildfires-victims/index.html

 

CNN. ‘Beyond the brink’: Data shows LA Fire Department among the most understaffed in America.” 1-14-2025. Accessed 1-14-2025 at:

https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/us/la-fire-department-resourses-understaffed-invs/index.html

 

CNN. “Crews are racing to contain Los Angeles wildfires before winds spike again.” 1-11-2025. Accessed 1-11-2025 at:

https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-11-25/index.html

 

CNN. “Los Angeles wildfires: At least 10 dead and whole neighborhoods destroyed as distraught residents flee.” 1-10-2025. Accessed 1-10-2025 at: https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-10-25-hnk/index.html

 

CNN. “Nighttime curfew in place across evacuation zones amid looting arrests.” 1-10-2025. Accessed 1-10-2025 at: https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-10-25-hnk#cm5qk1h5l00003b6sscubf7ki

 

CNN. “The wildfires have not grown in recent days, but smoldering hot spots remain a key issue.” 1-15-2025. Accessed 1-15-2025 at: https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/fire-los-angeles-california-palisades-ventura-eaton-01-15-25-hnk/index.html

 

CNN (Ray Sanchez). “What to know about the victims of the California wildfires.” 1-13-2025. Accessed 1-13-2025 at: https://www.wxii12.com/article/los-angeles-fires-victims/63409150

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Annette Rossilli. September 16, 1939 – January 9, 2025 (85).” Accessed 1-22-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00555

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Anthony Mitchell. November 16, 1956 – January 8, 2025 (68).” Accessed 1-22-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00561

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Arthur Simoneau. February 15, 1955 – January 9, 2025 (69).” Accessed 1-22-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00595

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Barbara Lewis. September 1, 1940 – January 15, 2025 (84).” Accessed 1-24-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-01001

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Betty O’Meara. October 5, 1930 – January 9, 1025 (94).” Accessed 1-24-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00557

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Carilyn Burns.” 1-17-2025. Accessed 1-17-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00621

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Charles Mortimer.” Accessed 1-16-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00521

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Edwin Cridland. July 2, 1930 – January 11, 2025 (94).” Accessed 1-22-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00719

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Erliene Kelley. August 12, 1941 – January 9, 2025 (83).” Accessed 1-22-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00585

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Evelyn McClendon. July 29, 1965 – January 9, 2025 (59).” Accessed 1-22-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00586

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Jeffrey Takeyama.” 1-17-2025. Accessed 1-17-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00753

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Lora Swayne. December 6, 1953 – January 12, 2025 (71).” Accessed 1-24-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00763

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Mark Shterenberg. August 9, 1944 – January 11, 2025 (80).” Accessed 1-22-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00730

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Oswald Altmetz. April 29, 1949 – January 11, 2025.” Accessed 1-24-2025 at:  https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00725

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Rodney Nickerson. April 15, 1942 – January 8, 2025.” Accessed 1-22-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00546

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Victor Shaw.” Accessed 1-17-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00545

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Zhi Feng Zhao.” 1-17-2025. Accessed 1-17-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/case-detail/?caseNumber=2025-00564

 

County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner “Wildfires Update. Medical Examiner Identifies Two More Individuals.” Accessed 2-6-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/press-releases/

 

County of Laos Angeles Department of Medical Examiner. “Wildfires Update. Medical Examiner Confirms Identity of Two More Who Died in Eaton Fire.” 2-10-2025.” Accessed 2-10-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/2025/press-releases/wildfires-update-medical-examiner-confirms-identity-of-two-more-in-fire-related-death-cases/

 

DailyMail.com. “Harrowing final words of LA woman, 77, to friend who tried to save her from wild fires.” 1-14-2025. Accessed 1-14-2025 at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14284843/LA-fires-Kimberly-Winiecki-final-words-California.html

 

Day, Brian. “Medical examiner continues working to identify victims of Southern California wildfires. Victorville Daily Press, CA. 1-11-2025. Accessed 1-11-2025 at: https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/nation/california/2025/01/11/medical-examiner-works-to-id-victims-of-southern-california-wildfires/77631011007/

 

Fox11 Los Angeles. “Man remembers sister lost in Eaton Fire.” 1-12-2025. Accessed 1-14-2025 at: https://www.foxla.com/news/man-remembers-sister-lost-eaton-fire

 

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Fire-Related Deaths at 4 p.m. on January 15.” Accessed 1-16-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/2025/press-releases/update-medical-examiner-fire-related-deaths-at-4-p-m-on-january-15/

 

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Fire-Related Deaths at 4 p.m. on January 16.” Accessed 1-17-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/2025/press-releases/update-medical-examiner-fire-related-deaths-at-4-p-m-on-january-16/

 

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Update. Medical Examiner Fire-Related Deaths.” Accessed 1-12-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/2025/press-releases/update-medical-examiner-fire-related-deaths/

 

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Wildfire Update. 18 Victims Identified by Medical Examiner.” 1-24-2025. Accessed 1-24-2025 at:  

WILDFIRE UPDATE | 18 Victims Identified by Medical Examiner

 

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Wildfire Update. 29th Death Reported to Medical Examiner.” 1-27-2025. Accessed 1-28-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/press-releases/

 

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Wildfires Update. Another Person Identified by Medical Examiner. 2-13-2025. Accessed 2-15-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/press-releases/

 

Los Angeles Daily News. “Disabled father and son died awaiting rescue from Eaton fire.” 1-28-2025. Accessed 3-16-2025 at: https://www.dailynews.com/2025/01/17/disabled-father-and-son-died-awaiting-rescue-from-eaton-fire/

 

LA County Medical Examiner. “Wildfires Update. Two More Identified by the Department of Medical Examiner. 2-18-2025. Accessed 2-19-2025 at: https://me.lacounty.gov/2025/press-releases/wildfires-update-two-more-identified-by-the-department-of-medical-examiner/

 

Los Angeles Times. “The L.A. fire victims: Who they were.” 1-12-2025. Accessed 1-13-2025 at: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-12/los-angeles-fire-eaton-palisades-altadena-victims

 

Los Angeles Times. “Death toll from Palisades and Eaton fires climbs to 25.” 1-12-2025. Accessed 1-13-2025 at:

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-12/death-toll-palisades-eaton-fires-rises

 

NBC News (Tim Stellow, Marlene Lenthang and Rebecca Cohen). “California wildfires: What we know about L.A. fire evacuations, maps, what caused it, who is affected and more.” 1-8-2025, updated 1-10-2025. Accessed 1-10-2025 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/wildfires/california-wildfires-los-angeles-palisades-fire-evacuations-maps-what-rcna186879

 

NBC News. “What we know about the victims killed in the California wildfires.” 1-10-2025, updated 1-16-2025. Accessed 1-10-2025 and 1-16-2025 at:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-wildfires-victims-rcna186989

 

New York Times (Stephanie Saul, Mimi Dwyer, Shaila Dewan and Troy Closson). “Who Are the Victims of the Los Angeles Fires?” 1-9-2025, updated1-10-2025. Accessed 1-10-2025 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/09/us/california-fires-victims.html

 

People. “Los Angeles Wildfire Death Toll Rises to 29 After Palisades Fire Victim Dies at Hospital.” 1-28-2025. Accessed 1-28-2025 at: https://people.com/los-angeles-wildfire-death-toll-rises-to-29-after-palisades-fire-victim-dies-at-hospital-8781663

 

San Gabriel Valley Tribune, CA. “Missing Altadena woman among those killed in Eaton Fire.” 1-28-2025. Accessed 3-16-2025 at: https://www.sgvtribune.com/2025/01/13/missing-altadena-woman-among-those-killed-in-eaton-fire/

 

Whitepages. “Randall Miod Address.” Accessed 1-15-2025 at: https://www.whitepages.com/name/Randall-Miod

 

 

[1] 23rd victim identified, leaving six to be identified.

[2] Names two more victims, for a total of 22, with seven others yet to be identified.

[3] Cites the Los Angeles County coroner’s office in a Jan 11 evening statement.

[4] NBC News. “What we know about the victims killed in the California wildfires.” 1-10-2025.

[5] NBC News. “What we know about the victims killed in the California wildfires.” 1-10-2025.

[6] There are 31 entries on his listing (5 unidentified), the Medical Examiner’s office notes 29 deaths, and shows 29 entries on 2-18-2025 update. We suspect that two of the unidentified on this listing were later identified.

[7] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Oswald Altmetz. April 29, 1949 – January 11, 2025.”

[8] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Carilyn Burns.” 1-17-2025.

[9] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Edwin Cridland. July 2, 1930 – January 11, 2025 (94).”

[10] Remains found at her home. (CNN Sanchez). “What to know about the victims of the [CA] wildfires.” 1-13-2025.) Also: County of LA Dept. Of Medical Examiner. “Wildfires Update. Medical Examiner Confirms Identity of Two More Who Died in Eaton Fire.” 2-10-2025.”

[11] Declined to evacuate with her granddaughter and her family saying “It’s in God’s hands.” (CNN (Ray Sanchez). “What to know about the victims of the California wildfires.” 1-13-2025.)

[12] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Erliene Kelley. August 12, 1941 – January 9, 2025 (83).”

[13] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Barbara Lewis. September 1, 1940 – January 15, 2025 (84).”

[14] Her brother next door evacuated. He said he thought she would evacuate as well. Her remains were found in the house rubble. CBS News. “Victims killed in the L.A. wildfires include father and son, world traveler…” 1-14-2025.

[15] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Evelyn McClendon. July 29, 1965 – January 9, 2025 (59).”

[16] County of LA Medical Examiner. “Wildfires Update. Medical Examiner Confirms Identity of Two More Who Died in Eaton Fire.” 2-10-2025.”

[17] CNN (Ray Sanchez). “What to know about the victims of the California wildfires.” 1-13-2025. Notes that from interviews it appeared that “Miod was determined to protect his beloved house.” Was seen by others with his hose at his house. (CBS News. “Victims killed in the L.A. wildfires include father and son…” 1-14-2025.

[18] Whitepages. “Randall Miod Address.”

[19] Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Update. Medical Examiner Fire-Related Deaths.”

[20] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Anthony Mitchell. November 16, 1956 – January 8, 2025 (68).”

[21] Los Angeles Daily News. “Disabled father and son died awaiting rescue from Eaton fire.” 1-28-2025.

[22] County of Los Angeles Medical Exam. “Wildfires Update. Medical Examiner Identifies Two More Individuals.”

[23] “The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified Charles Mortimer as one of the victims of the Palisades Fire…[He] died at an area hospital on Jan. 8, the medical examiner’s office notes. The office lists his causes of death as acute myocardial infarction, effects of smoke inhalation, thermal injuries, and coronary artery atherosclerosis.” (CNN (Ray Sanchez). “What to know about the victims of the California wildfires.” 1-13-2025.)

[24] Acute Myocardial Infarction. (County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Charles Mortimer.”)

[25] “As a grandson who lived with him frantically packed a car, Nickerson refused all entreaties to evacuate.” (Los Angeles Times. “The L.A. fire victims: Who they were.” 1-12-2025.)

[26] Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Rodney Nickerson. April 15, 1942 – January 8, 2025.”

[27] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Betty O’Meara. October 5, 1930 – January 9, 1025 (94).”

[28] CNN (Ray Sanchez). “What to know about the victims of the California wildfires.” 1-13-2025. Notes she “refused to leave her home as the fast-moving Palisades Fire approached, preferring instead to stay behind with her beloved pets.” Also notes she declined the offer of a caregiver to pick her up.

[29] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Annette Rossilli. September 16, 1939 – January 9, 2025 (85).”

[30] His sister evacuated but he “insisted on staying.” (CNN (Ray Sanchez). “What to know about the victims of the California wildfires.” 1-13-2025.)

[31] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Victor Shaw.”

[32] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Mark Shterenberg. August 9, 1944 – January 11, 2025 (80).”

[33] Los Angeles Times. “Death toll from Palisades and Eaton fires climbs to 25.” 1-12-2025. Told a friend that “he was heading to his home to try to save it.” Had learned of evacuation orders but went home anyway. (CBS News. “Victims killed in the L.A. wildfires include father and son, world traveler…” 1-14-2025.)

[34] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Arthur Simoneau. February 15, 1955 – January 9, 2025 (69).”

[35] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Lora Swayne. December 6, 1953 – January 12, 2025 (71).”

[36] County of Los Angeles Medical Exam. “Wildfires Update. Medical Examiner Identifies Two More Individuals.”

[37] CNN (Ray Sanchez). “What to know about the victims of the California wildfires.” 1-13-2025.

[38] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Jeffrey Takeyama.” 1-17-2025.

[39] LA County Medical Examiner. “Wildfire Update. 18 Victims Identified by Medical Examiner.” 1-24-2025.

[40] Told a friend that she would be fine at her home during the fires. CBS News. “Victims killed in the L.A. wildfires include father and son, world traveler…” 1-14-2025.

[41] “Winiecki’s brother, Mark, who lives in New Mexico, said the medical examiner’s office notified their family Sunday night that she had died in the inferno that engulfed Altadena.” (San Gabriel Valley Tribune, CA. “Missing Altadena woman among those killed in Eaton Fire.” 1-28-2025.)

[42] Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. “Wildfire Update. 29th Death Reported to Medical Examiner.” 1-27-2025.

[43] LA County Medical Examiner cited as source. NBC News. “What we know about the victims killed in the California wildfires.” 1-16-2025 update.

[44] County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner. “Zhi Feng Zhao.” 1-17-2025.

[45] LA County Medical Examiner. “Wildfire Update. 18 Victims Identified by Medical Examiner.” 1-24-2025.

[46] LA County Medical Examiner. “Wildfires Update. Two More Identified by the Department of Medical Examiner.

[47] LA County Medical Examiner. “Wildfire Update. 18 Victims Identified by Medical Examiner.” 1-24-2025.

[48] LA County Medical Examiner. “Wildfire Update. 18 Victims Identified by Medical Examiner.” 1-24-2025.