The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau continues its dedicated efforts to locate individuals reported missing following the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires. As of January 16, 2025, the Unit has received a total of 43 missing persons reports related to the fires. Of these reports, 12 individuals have been located safe, leaving 31 active missing persons cases under investigation.

The breakdown of these cases is as follows:

• Eaton Fire: 24 active missing persons cases.

• Palisades Fire: 7 active missing persons cases.
Search efforts have also included an extensive examination of structures associated with missing persons reports. Of the 31 active cases:

• 9 decedents have been recovered from burned structures that are associated to missing persons reports stemming from the Eaton Fire.

• 4 decedents have been recovered from burned structures that are associated to missing persons reports stemming from the Palisades Fire.

Structures that are associated to 16 active missing persons cases, have been searched by deputy personnel, cadaver dogs, and search and rescue personnel.  Of these 16 locations, no individuals and/or human remains were located at these sites.

There are also 2 burned structures stemming from the Palisades Fire that are associated to missing persons reports, which are currently being searched.

The Homicide Bureau Missing Persons Unit is in the process of publicly disseminating missing persons bulletins and contacting affected families for all active Missing Persons cases. These bulletins identify persons who have been reported as a missing person and the bulletins will remain in circulation until the missing person is located or identified by the Los Angeles County Medical-Examiner. This continued effort ensures the public’s assistance in locating those missing and supports families awaiting answers.

Any human remains recovered during these searches will be examined by the Medical-Examiner to determine positive identification and provide clarity to the families of the missing.  Homicide Investigators will be in contact with the affected families to assist in the identification process.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department understands the deep pain and uncertainty faced by families and loved ones during this time. We remain committed to conducting thorough investigations and supporting those impacted by these tragic events.

If you need to report anyone missing associated to the fire-affected areas, please contact your local law enforcement agency to file a missing person report.

This investigation is ongoing and fluid. As such, the numbers reported will fluctuate as investigators move forward with the cases. We ask that anyone with information regarding missing persons connected to the Eaton or Palisades fires that fall within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s jurisdiction to contact Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.