LA Wildfire Death Toll Climbs to 14, Says County Sheriff

The death toll from the devastating wildfires around Los Angeles has climbed to 14, with officials warning that the number may rise as search and rescue teams continue sifting through the destruction. The Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire remain largely uncontained, forcing over 100,000 residents to flee their homes.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the rising toll in a press conference on Sunday, stating that 11 victims died in the Eaton Fire, while three more were killed by the Palisades Fire. A separate report from CNN placed the number at 16 deaths.

While emergency crews battle the raging flames, law enforcement has had to crack down on looters taking advantage of the chaos. Sheriff Luna reported 29 arrests, including one suspect impersonating a firefighter.

“I saw a gentleman who looked like a firefighter, and I asked if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn’t realize we had him in handcuffs. He just got caught burglarizing a home,” Luna said.

This kind of lawlessness underscores the failure of California’s leadership to maintain order during a crisis. Instead of prioritizing safety, the state continues to face crime waves even in the midst of a natural disaster.

Despite efforts from emergency crews, containment remains low:

• Palisades Fire: 24,000 acres burned, only 11% contained

• Eaton Fire: 14,000 acres burned, just 27% contained

• Hurst Fire: Under 1,000 acres, nearly 90% contained

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned that conditions remain “very high risk” due to strong winds and low humidity, urging residents in wildfire-prone areas to take power shut-offs seriously to prevent further disasters.

Officials have described the damage in certain areas as resembling a war zone, with smoldering buildings, downed power lines, and charred neighborhoods.

“Driving around some of these areas, they literally look like war zones. There are downed power poles, electric wires. There are still some smoldering fires. It is not safe,” Luna said.

California’s lack of preparedness has once again been exposed, leaving residents vulnerable to both natural disasters and rampant crime. Instead of funding fire prevention, Governor Gavin Newsom cut $100 million from the state’s fire budget, and now Californians are paying the price.

The question remains: How many more disasters will it take before California’s leaders take real action?

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