One of the Eaton Fire Victims Identified - Sister Speaks Out
Aside from sharing what the sister of a deceased Eaton fire victim said about her brother's death, reports have disclosed the occurrence of other fatalities and the current situation of the California wildfires.
On January 9, 2025, KTLA 5 reported on the death of a 66-year-old man named Victor Shaw, who was identified on Wednesday morning (January 8) as one of the five victims claimed by the Eaton Fire. Tragically, Victor's family found him lying on the side of the road by their home, with a garden hose in his hand.
The fire victim's loved ones also confirmed that Victor lost his life attempting to defend their home against the flames.
Adding another layer of sorrow is the fact that Victor's sister, Shari Shaw, who he had been living with, had tried to get her brother to evacuate with her on the evening of January 7, as the fire got closer to their location.
Reportedly, Victor, whose loved ones say he had health issues impacting his mobility, had told Shari he wanted to stay behind to try to combat the fire when she was running out the door.
Providing a first-person account of the moment to the news outlet, Shari divulged, "When I went back in and yelled out his name, he didn't reply back, and I had to get out because the embers were so big and flying like a firestorm – I had to save myself. And I looked behind me, and the house was starting to go up in flames, and I had to leave."
Shari Shaw speaking to a KTLA 5 reporter about her brother Victor Shaw's death, posted on January 9, 2025. | Source: YouTube/KTLA 5
Al Tanner, a family friend, said they found Victor's charred body the following morning. According to Al, "It looks like he was trying to save the home that his parents had for almost 55 years."
Al Tanner, family friend of the Shaws, explaining the situation. | Source: YouTube/KTLA 5
Expressing her devastation to KTLA 5, Shari said she "fell to the ground" upon learning of her brother's death, and noted how she was even unable to look at him. "They just told me that he was lying on the ground and that he looked serene, as if he was at peace," added the bereaved sister.
Victor's body was still left on his family's property in the 3000 block of Montrose Avenue on Wednesday evening due to unsafe conditions prohibiting the coroner's office from retrieving him.
Shari Shaw expressing her devastation. | Source: YouTube/KTLA 5
The cause of the 10,600-acre Eaton Fire that claimed Victor's life has remained under investigation since Thursday morning (January 9), and is one of many active and large wildfires to erupt in the Los Angeles area.
According to KTLA 5, the Palisades Fire is the largest of the lot, spanning a whopping 17,234 acres and having destroyed approximately 1,000 structures.
Meanwhile, the 855-acre Hurst Fire ravaged the Los Angeles neighborhood of Sylmar, while the Lidia Fire damaged at least 348 acres in the Antelope Valley, forcing evacuations as well.
Outside of the aforementioned four, another fire called the Sunset Fire (43 acres) forced rapid evacuations in the Hollywood Hills. However, first responders have managed to make progress concerning relief and rescue efforts for this fire.
The Hurst Fire burning hills above Sylmar, California on January 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Regarding the current status of the active wildfires in Los Angeles (L.A.), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) shared an update on the department's website.
All appear to have increased in acreage — the Palisades fire is now 19,978 acres with a containment level of 6%; Eaton now spans 13,690 acres with 0% containment; Hurst's acreage is 771 with 37% containment, and Lidia sits at a containment level of 75%, spanning 394 acres.
The Eaton Fire burning a mountain in Los Angeles, California on January 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, CAL FIRE has listed information on another one called the Kenneth Fire, which spans 960 acres and has a containment level of 0%.
"Following recent rainfall that has moderated fire activity, CAL FIRE is transitioning to Winter Preparedness staffing levels statewide. This adjustment aligns with a seasonal decrease in fire activity and aims to strategically optimize resources as fire risks lessen during the cooler months," reports the department.
They also acknowledge that while California has experienced "a higher-than-usual number of fires this year," the total acreage burned is still slightly below the five-year average. However, CAL FIRE admits that this figure has exceeded the figures of last year (2024).
Additionally, the department forecasts that below-normal precipitation and above-average temperatures will persist through February 2025, which, unfortunately, will sustain an elevated risk of fires, especially in Southern California.
Adding more fuel to the fire is the increased frequency of offshore winds, which have the potential to exacerbate fire concerns in specific locations.
While the forecast remains grim, CAL FIRE says an active Jet Stream is expected to bring moist and cool conditions over the next several months, which will encourage snow and lowland vegetation in higher elevations.
"These conditions, combined with a shift toward greener fuels, are expected to lower the potential for significant fires over the next 2-3 months," explains CAL Fire. However, Southern California remains an outlier, as some heightened fire risk may persist.
Despite these seasonal changes and forecasts, the department makes its commitment to remain vigilant and be prepared to respond to issues clear. Currently, there are 13,926 total emergency responses for 92 wildfires that have damaged over 10,000 structures.
"The resources that CAL FIRE staffs year-round will spend these months engaged in fuel reduction projects and other fire prevention efforts as weather permits," adds the department. It should also be noted that the aforementioned stats and the status of the fires are subject to change as the situation develops.
Although CAL FIRE and first responders continue to do their best to combat the wildfires, several lives have already been claimed by the destruction. Like Victor, others are believed to be dead, as news outlets report that at least ten people have lost their lives to the fires.
The L.A. County sheriff said he expects the death toll to rise, as officials scramble to contain the flames of the unruly fires exacerbated by dry and windy conditions.
A firefighter dousing a home caught on fire in Pacific Palisades, California on January 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
As reported by ABC News, "Thousands of firefighters are battling at least five sprawling wildfires spread around the Los Angeles area [...] More than 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as the infernos spread."
They also shared that President Joe Biden approved a major federal disaster declaration for Los Angeles County on Wednesday (January 8).
A wildfire tears through a home in Pacific Palisades, California on January 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, CNN reports that Homicide investigators have not yet had the opportunity to process any of the death scenes, as dangerous conditions, such as spot fires, leaking gas, and downed power lines prohibit them from doing so.
On the matter, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department explained, "Once Homicide investigators can assess the scenes, more information will be provided."
Firefighters gearing up to combat flames from a wildfire in Pacific Palisades, California on January 8, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Regarding the number of reported deaths, Sheriff Robert Luna admitted, "Frankly, we don't know yet," referencing the ambiguity surrounding the accurate death toll.
At this time, we extend our deepest condolences to Shari, the rest of the Shaw family, their other loved ones, and friends, and others who have suffered losses during this incredibly challenging time.