Nearly three months after two devastating wildfires ravaged the Los Angeles area, the official death toll has risen to 30. The fires, which began during fierce winds on January 7, destroyed almost 17,000 structures, including homes, schools, businesses, and places of worship.

On Wednesday, a team responded to a report of possible human remains at a burned property in Altadena, located within the Eaton Fire burn zone. According to the Medical Examiner's Office, their investigation confirmed that the remains were indeed human, bringing the death toll from the Eaton Fire to 18. Additionally, the Palisades Fire claimed the lives of 12 people.

The process of identifying the charred remains involves various methods. The medical examiner’s office compares dental records, analyzes DNA, reviews health records, and examines radiographs for any medical prosthetics or devices. Collaborative efforts with law enforcement are also in place to gather information regarding suspected missing persons. The office noted that due to the complexity of these identification techniques, it could take a substantial amount of time to confirm the identity of the deceased.

The two wildfires have caused unprecedented destruction in their wake, and the rebuilding process is expected to take years. Currently, the causes of the fires remain under investigation. Multiple lawsuits allege that the equipment of Southern California Edison may have ignited the Eaton Fire. Pedro Pizarro, the president of Edison International, the parent company of the utility, stated this week that it is still too early to determine if electrical infrastructure was responsible for the blaze. He emphasized the importance of transparency as they continue their inquiry into the incidents.

“We still don’t know whether Edison equipment caused the Eaton fire. It’s certainly possible it did. I’ve pledged to be transparent with the public as we continue to investigate,” Pizarro told the Los Angeles Times.

As the investigation progresses and the community begins the long road to recovery, the impact of these fires continues to resonate throughout Los Angeles and beyond. The loss of life and property is a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by wildfires, exacerbated by climate conditions and human factors.