A new fatality linked to the massive Palisades Fire has been reported, which along with five previously confirmed brings the death toll across Los Angeles to at least six.
On Thursday, the city of Malibu reported an additional death attributed to the largest wildfire burning in Los Angeles County.
‘Although the individual has not yet been identified, this tragic news weighs heavily on our hearts,’ stated Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart.
‘On behalf of the City of Malibu, I want to express my deepest condolences to the loved ones of this person. Our community grieves with you in this moment of unimaginable loss.’
It was initially thought to be the first death from the Palisades Fire. But Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna on Thursday clarified that five previously recorded deaths were not all from the Eaton Fire, but also from the Pacific Palisades.
Authorities on Thursday said there may be more deaths than the ones reported.
‘Frankly, we don’t know yet’ what the true death toll is, said Luna.
Hollywood sign under threat from sunset and Eaton fires in Los Angeles (Picture: Cal Fire)
Earlier, devastating wildfires in the Hollywood Hills sparked fears the iconic sign could be set ablaze as firefighters deal with conditions exacerbated by winds reaching up to 80mph.
At least six people have been killed in the California wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles and its neighbouring county Ventura, which firefighters say show no signs of being contained.
The latest blaze, named Sunset Fire by the Los Angeles Fire Department, is currently tearing through Hollywood Hills and has prompted further evacuations from the affluent, celebrity-laden areas.
Over 100,000 people have forced to evacuate their homes – up from 30,000 yesterday – as the fires have scorched around 16,000 acres of land and destroyed at least 1,000 buildings.
Furthermore, firefighters attempting to extinguish the blazes have found their hoses running dry as the city finds itself rapidly running out of water due to the extreme demand.
LA mayor Karen Bass has also been heavily criticised for her handling of the fires after if was revealed she cut $17million from the fire department’s budget last year.
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