Rescue teams are meticulously combing through the ashes of destroyed homes in Los Angeles, searching for victims of the devastating wildfires.

The skies have cleared, and the embers have cooled in Altadena, a suburb of Los Angeles, where the Eaton wildfire last week left at least 16 people dead and approximately 7,000 structures destroyed. Now in its third day, the search for victims continues.

Altadena, typically a quiet community on the outskirts of Los Angeles, remains somber and sealed off. The California National Guard has erected barricades, and search teams have covered about a quarter of the city so far.

The recovery effort is expected to take another four days. Officials fear the current death toll of 24 from the Eaton and Palisades fires could rise. “As much as we hope otherwise, we have to acknowledge the likelihood of more casualties,” said Dan Paige, head of search and rescue operations for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

A Careful and Painstaking Process

Recovering victims from the charred remains of Altadena’s homes requires patience and precision. Bodies may be hidden within the debris of obliterated structures. The 100-person team leading the search effort is composed of firefighters, paramedics, structural engineers, and anthropologists, whose expertise aids in identifying human remains.

Some team members previously worked on high-profile disasters, such as the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California. Still, the scale of destruction in Altadena has left them stunned.

“When we arrived, we were overwhelmed by the scope of the search,” one rescuer admitted.

Equipped with helmets, respirators, shovels, and pickaxes, the search teams carefully sift through the wreckage. Before entering any destroyed building, they ensure structural stability and check for other hazards like gas leaks. Often, the work requires getting down on their hands and knees to inspect small, charred fragments.

“If we find anything resembling human remains, we stop immediately and call in forensic anthropologists and medical examiners, along with police officers,” Paige explained. “The process is slow and deliberate, like handling a crime scene.”

An Unprecedented Challenge

Before the wildfires, Altadena’s search and rescue teams primarily assisted lost hikers in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. Now, they face the grim task of recovering victims from homes, cars, stores, warehouses, churches, and schools.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported on January 13 that additional victims have been discovered daily.

“This is not easy work. It’s heartbreaking to report what we’ve found, and sadly, I believe more remains will be uncovered,” he said.

Frustration and Patience

Some residents are frustrated at being unable to return to their homes in evacuated zones like Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Luna urged patience, stressing the ongoing dangers in the area.

“Everyone wants to return and see what’s left of their homes. We understand that. But right now, we’re focused on recovering the remains of your neighbors. Please be patient. The area is still very hazardous,” he said.

Continued Fire Risks

The recovery operation comes amid heightened warnings of new wildfires. Red flag warnings have been issued for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with winds expected to exceed 70 mph (110 km/h).

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to remain alert for potential new evacuation orders. “Our top priority is safeguarding lives as the winds threaten our city,” she said.

Paige recalled the urgency during the wildfire’s peak, when he resorted to drastic measures to convince residents to evacuate.

“I screamed at them, ‘You will die if you don’t leave right now,’” he recounted.

(Compiled from The Washington Post)

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