The number of deaths linked to the California wildfires has risen to 24, according to a Sunday evening update from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME).
Sixteen of those deaths are from the Eaton Fire, while eight are connected to the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, NBC News reported.
The medical examiner noted that the deaths are “still under investigation by the department” and that it “cannot confirm human remains until after the DME processes them at our facility.”
Many of those who have died have not been identified and are listed as John or Jane Does on the medical examiner’s website.
“One person has been newly identified: Charles Mortimer, 84, who died in the Palisades Fire, according to the office,” NBC News reported.
The updated preliminary death toll comes as first responders continue to battle wildfires that have swept…
