Los Angeles, January 13 (RHC)-- The death toll from the fires in Los Angeles has risen to 24, with dozens of people still missing. More than 12,000 homes and other structures have been destroyed or damaged as firefighters continue to battle the Eaton, Palisades and Hurst fires. 

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone says the risk of new fires remains high.  Marrone said: “Elevated critical fire weather conditions will continue through Wednesday.  Please rest assured that your County of Los Angeles Fire Department will be prepared.  These winds, combined with low humidities and low fuel moistures, will keep the fire threat in all of Los Angeles County very high.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Los Angeles County have both declared public health emergencies due to the smoke and particulate matter from the ongoing wildfires.

[ SOURCE: DEMOCRACY NOW ]