Update on Los Angeles Wildfires: Casualties, Arrests, and Firefighting Progress
The death toll from the Los Angeles wildfires rose to 25 after the county coroner’s office confirmed a new fatality. The latest victim has been identified as Zhi Feng Zhao, an 84-year-old man who became the 17th death linked to the Eaton Fire. Eight other fatalities occurred in the Palisades Fire. The coroner’s office noted that the total could change as investigations continue and identities are confirmed, underscoring the ongoing impact on families and communities.
During a news briefing, Police Commander Steve Embrich said 13 people remained missing in the Palisades Fire, a number that had been higher earlier in the week. Most of the missing were located alive in the days that followed. The briefing also reported 14 arrests connected to the fires, including three suspected arsonists. The remaining arrests were associated with offenses such as vandalism, looting, violations of the curfew, and impersonation of a firefighter or police officer, reflecting the broader disruption caused by the fires.
Firefighters have battled these blazes for about a week, with Santa Ana winds driving the flames across hills and into neighborhoods. The fires have scorched roughly 16,500 acres in the Los Angeles area, posing a sustained challenge to suppression efforts and putting pressure on crews and resources as they work to protect homes and critical infrastructure.
Among the blazes, the Palisades Fire remains the largest, having burned about 9,600 acres and standing at 17 percent containment. The Eaton Fire has burned about 5,700 acres and is approximately 35 percent contained. The scope of damage includes thousands of homes damaged or destroyed and broad disruption to daily life as residents confront displacement and road closures.
Containment efforts continue as weather conditions remain volatile. Crews have established containment lines, conducted controlled burns where safe, and prioritized suppression near power facilities, schools, hospitals, and major roadways to reduce the risk to essential services and communities.
Officials say the response involves coordinated action by local agencies and state partners, with federal resources available if needed. Residents in affected areas should stay informed through official sources and follow evacuation orders to ensure safety and minimize risk to responders working in active fire zones.
Investigators are reviewing the origins of the fires and assessing potential criminal connections to the incidents. The community is urged to support neighbors who lost homes and to prepare for a long recovery process, including rebuilding, mental health support, and restoration of essential services as conditions improve.
Despite the challenges, firefighters and emergency personnel continue working around the clock. The public is asked to avoid affected zones and nonessential travel to allow responders to operate unimpeded and to give containment efforts the best possible chance at reducing further damage.