WILDFIRES UPDATE | 30th Death Related to the January Wildfires Confirmed

April 2, 2025 – The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) Special Operations Response Team (SORT) responded today to the 900 block of Boston Street in Altadena to investigate possible human remains found there. Upon arrival, the 6-member SORT conducted an investigation and determined the remains were human. The death toll related to the wildfires is now 30 – 18 in the Eaton Fire and 12 in the Palisades. The latest Medical Examiner case number is 2025-05736 and is Unidentified Doe #203.  

The DME relies on complex scientific methods of identification in these cases due to the condition of the remains. These methods may include dental record comparison, DNA comparison, medical records review, or use of radiographs to look for medical prosthetics/devices and associated serial numbers. The DME uses dental records, medical records, and familial DNA associated with missing persons reports to compare to unidentified decedents.  The DME also works with law enforcement agencies to gather information on suspected missing persons to conduct follow-up with families. Due to the complexity of these methods and the process, it can take considerable time to confirm a decedent’s identity in these types of cases.  

Case information is available on the website once a decedent is identified and legal next of kin have been notified: Case Search – Medical Examiner. 

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