Death toll in Eaton, Palisades fires rises to 24 as crews prepare for more strong winds

At least 68 people have been arrested in fire evacuation zones, according to law enforcement officials, as police work to secure devastated parts of Los Angeles and firefighters continue to battle wildfires.

The Santa Monica Police Department reported 39 arrests in evacuated areas in its jurisdiction on Saturday night, including 10 for burglary and six for possession of burglary tools.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it recorded 29 arrests -- 25 in the Eaton Fire area north of Pasadena and four in the Palisades Fire area in western Los Angeles.

The Santa Monica Police Department reported 39 arrests in evacuated areas in its jurisdiction on Saturday night, including 10 for burglary and six for possession of burglary tools. None of those arrested lived in the area, the department said.

-ABC News' Marilyn Heck

In addition to homes and businesses, many churches and synagogues were destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

On the first Sunday after the deadly fire, many gathered for special services to help each other heal as one.

Mark Mariscal, who lost his home and is currently staying at the Pasadena Convention Center, spoke with ABC7 during Sunday's service and said despite his loss, he said he remains hopeful.

"This whole process of rebuilding our community ... I don't think we have to do that because Altadena is not rebuilding a community, because Altadena's community has actually just grown from this tragedy," he said. "I think that's probably one of the best messages that people are saying out there when I talk to all the different people. We have grown as a community because of this tragedy. You can't ask for more than that."

READ MORE | SoCal churches unite to bring peace and healing to wildfire victims: 'We've grown as a community'

St. Philip the Apostle Church in Pasadena hosted two churches after many parishioners had to be relocated after losing their homes.

Thousands of people impacted by the Eaton Fire are still trying to figure out what's next.

To help share some insight on the recovery process, officials held a community meeting Sunday night at the Pasadena City College.

Various departments provided updates on the firefight, doubled down their commitment to rebuild Altadena and shared a timeline of priorities, such as clean-up efforts before residents are allowed back to their homes.

READ MORE | Officials lay out top priorities in Eaton Fire recovery process at community meeting

To help share some insight on the Eaton Fire recovery process, officials held a community meeting Sunday night at the Pasadena City College.

The Palisades Fire began in the Pacific Palisades area of the city on Jan. 7. It is at 23,713 acres in size with 13% containment. Approximately 5,000 structures have been destroyed.

Through tragedy, we've seen neighbors helping neighbors and the community coming together to heal.

National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman is from Pacific Palisades. She posted on social media that her home sustained some damage but wasn't destroyed.

Gorman wrote a poem titled "Smoldering Dawn" dedicated to her hometown. Listen to the poem, in her own words, below.

National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman is from Pacific Palisades. She wrote a poem titled "Smoldering Dawn" dedicated to her hometown.