The death toll from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, has climbed to 16, with officials warning that the number is expected to rise as firefighting efforts continue.

The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire have destroyed over 5,000 structures, ranking among the worst wildfires in California’s history.

Homes burned Saturday in Brentwood and Mandeville Canyon as the Palisades Fire advanced, prompting mandatory evacuations in parts of Brentwood, Encino, Tarzana, and the hills surrounding these neighborhoods. Firefighters, using both ground crews and aerial support, worked tirelessly to slow the flames during a brief lull in the winds.

By mid-day Saturday, the Palisades Fire had grown to 22,660 acres, with containment at just 11%. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, located northeast of Los Angeles, spanned 14,100 acres and was 15% contained. Together, the fires have displaced more than 100,000 people, with 12,000 structures still under threat.

Firefighters are bracing for worsening conditions as moderate winds are predicted to pick up overnight, with a significant wind event anticipated early next week. The break in winds on Saturday allowed firefighters to deploy all available aerial resources to attack the fires and bolster containment lines.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed at least 16 fatalities linked to the fires, while emergency officials caution that the number is likely to increase as rescue operations continue. Tens of thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders, with emergency shelters filling rapidly.

Officials are urging residents to follow evacuation orders and stay updated through official channels as the firefighting efforts and evacuations evolve. (ILKHA)