Firefighters holding Eaton, Palisades fires in check, but new wind event is on the way

The death toll in connection with wildfires burning in Los Angeles County has risen to 24 as of Sunday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner.

16 deaths are related to the Eaton Fire, eight others to the Palisades Fire.

That is eight more people confirmed dead since Saturday afternoon, when the death toll was at 16.

The department said all cases are currently pending identification and legal next of kin notification.

Once that happens, the information will be posted on its website.

The death toll in connection with wildfires burning in Los Angeles County has risen to 24, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner.

As wildfires continue to blaze across Los Angeles County, authorities are sounding the alarm on another potential threat to the public: scams relating to the disaster.

Multiple law enforcement officials have warned of bad actors scheming to take advantage of charitable people looking to chip in and give to those in need due to the fires.

As California fires continue to blaze across Los Angeles County, authorities are sounding the alarm on scams relating to the disaster.

We have people with big hearts who want to help, they want to donate, they want to support the victims," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a press conference Saturday. "We also see scammers who are taking advantage of that goodness and that generosity and scamming and defrauding those individuals.

Bonta urged the public to beware of fraudulent organizations falsely claiming to be charities or nonprofits aiding fire victims.

Scammers have at times targeted elderly individuals, immigrants and non-English speakers, Bonta said.

In some cases, he added, the fraudulent organizations use names that sound misleadingly legitimate.

In order to avoid these scams, donors can first do some research on charities theyre considering giving to before opening their wallets, officials said.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell suggested verifying organizations with websites like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau.

GoFundMe is verifying its fundraisers so donors can trust their contributions are going where theyre truly needed. They're also suggesting a number of organizations where people can donate, including World Central Kitchen, Pasadena Humane, Baby2Baby and several others.

Take time to thoroughly research the charity or organization that you're considering. Reputable groups will have clear information about their mission and proven track records, McDonnell said in a press briefing Sunday.

McDonnell also recommended steering clear of cash donations whenever possible, instead opting instead for secure, traceable payment methods to ensure that your contributions reach those in need.

And if you suspect a donation request is fraudulent, McDonnell asked the public to contact police so they can investigate the matter.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna said law enforcement officials are eager to prosecute anyone caught preying on peoples generosity.

Bonta reiterated this warning on Sunday, emphasizing there will be harsh consequences.

To anyone who would go out and take advantage of this tragedy for their greedy gain, who would further victimize people who have potentially lost everything, who are already victims, who would look at this devastation and see dollar signs, I have a message for you: You will be held accountable, Bonta said. My office will be engaged to hold you accountable.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power issued a "Do Not Drink" order Friday for areas affected by the Palisades Fire. The order is still in effect.

That order applies to those living in the 90272 and 90402 zip codes.

Officials say fire-related contaminants may have entered the water system. The city says to use bottled water for all of your needs until further notice.

Most Los Angeles Unified School District schools will reopen on Monday, the district's website says.

The district said some schools will remain closed due to mandatory evacuation orders. Those schools -- Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary, and Paul Revere Middle School -- will reopen as soon as conditions allow.

The district said a decision regarding Roscomare Road Elementary and Community Magnet Charter, which are currently in an evacuation warning zone, will come no later than 5:30 a.m. Monday morning.

In a voicemail sent to Carpenter Community Charter families on Sunday, Principal Joseph Martinez said all air filters in the K-5 elementary school have been refreshed to ensure that the campus will have good air quality.

LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho is holding a news conference at 5 p.m.

The district has been busy preparing new classroom spaces for students of schools lost to the Palisades Fire.

Full statement from LAUSD: "We will reopen most schools and all offices on Monday, Jan. 13. Conditions have improved for a majority of areas across the Los Angeles region and the District is confident it is safe for students and employees to return to campuses.

We have considered a number of factors, including improved fire containment, air quality, wind conditions, utility availability, road accessibility, school-site readiness and staffing. Recognizing there are employees and families directly impacted by the fires, a number of resources have been prepared to help address ongoing needs, including employee assistance, securing substitute coverage, and managing other logistical challenges.

Open schools, including after-school programs, will operate on a full inclement weather schedule which limits outdoor and athletic activities. Masks will also be available for students and employees.

The District is able to resume school schedules and instruction thanks to the tireless work of District employees who cleaned schools, as well as first responders and local authorities who ensured the safety of our school communities.

However, there are some schools in the highest impact areas that will remain closed due to mandatory evacuation orders. These include Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary, and Paul Revere Middle School. The schools will reopen as soon as conditions allow, at which time, we will notify families.

We are closely monitoring Roscomare Road Elementary and Community Magnet Charter which are currently in an evacuation warning zone. We will share a decision regarding those schools no later than 5:30 a.m. tomorrow morning.

The District remains committed to working with our community partners to provide families and employees with childcare, transportation, mental health resources, and other essential services.

We will be monitoring conditions throughout the evening and overnight. A 10 p.m. update will be posted at lausd.org. Should anything change, we will begin notifying families and employees of any changes by 5:30 a.m. on Monday."