Death toll increases to 18 from Eaton fire after medical examiner discovers human remains

The death toll from the Eaton fire increased by one after investigators discovered human remains in Altadena, the county Medical Examiner’s Office said Wednesday, April 2.

A six-person team with the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner responded to the 900 block of Boston Street, near Lake Avenue, to investigate potential human remains.

After the discovery, at least 18 people are confirmed to have died in the Eaton fire that ripped through Altadena and Pasadena in January. At least 12 people died in the Palisades fire in the Pacific Palisades area and Santa Monica Mountains the same week.

The fires destroyed more than 16,000 structures, many of them single-family homes.

Investigators with the medical examiner’s office are working to identify the recently discovered victim and several other known fire victims.

Because of the fire’s devastation, the medical examiner’s identification process will take longer than usual.

Officials may compare dental records, familial DNA and medical records associated with missing persons reports to those of unidentified victims. They might also use radiographs to search for medical prosthetics and devices and their associated serial numbers.

Officials with the medical examiner’s office also work with law enforcement agencies to obtain more information on suspected missing persons and follow up with their families.