This wildfire disaster, one of the most destructive in US history, has claimed the lives of 24 individuals.
On Sunday, January 12, the coroner confirmed that the remains of Dalyce Curry, an extra in the Blues Brothers, were found shortly before 6 p.m. local time.
Dalyce Kelley, the actor’s granddaughter, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, confirming that her ‘beloved grandmother’ had passed away.
“We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating,” she expressed on social media.
KABC reports that Kelley last saw her relative around midnight on Tuesday, January 7, just as the fires began to devastate southern California.
The Eaton Fire consumed Curry’s home in Altadena, with Kelley visiting the remains on Friday, January 10, when her grandmother was still not accounted for.
“I’m sorry your grandmother’s property is gone. It totally burned down,” an officer informed Kelly, according to KABC, after she received a message about the power outage at her grandmother’s residence.
Kelley described the scene as one of ‘total devastation’, stating, “Everything was gone except her blue Cadillac.”
Lorée Beamer-Wilkinson, another granddaughter of the actor, also took to Facebook to announce the sad news of her grandmother’s passing.
“With a heavy heart, I share that our search for Momma D has come to an end, as her remains were found in her home,” she wrote. “We are devastated, and it’s difficult to comprehend how her life came to this end.
“I feel so grateful for the love and opportunity to have known her, even if only for a short time. Momma D was an extraordinary woman who welcomed me and my children into her life with open arms.
“She radiated positivity, showed grace, and lived as a shining example of strength, resilience, and kindness. Her story is one of breaking barriers, overcoming challenges, and spreading love wherever she went.”
She added: “I miss her deeply and am working through the waves of regret—wishing I had called her more, shared more moments. But I know the best way to honor her is to keep her memory alive and cherish the beautiful moments we shared.”
In addition to her role in Blues Brothers, Curry appeared in The 10 Commandments during her acting career.
The US National Weather Service had issued a warning about possible strong Santa Ana winds and extreme fire conditions five days before the wildfires began.
In the days that followed, a Fire Weather Watch was in effect, and state and local officials continued to issue warnings to residents in the Los Angeles area.
The Palisade’s Fire erupted, prompting an emergency alert for LA residents, urging those near the fire to prepare for ‘a potential evacuation’.
Subsequently, the City of Santa Monica released an Evacuation Order for all areas of the city north of San Vicente: “Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW.”
Mere hours later, the second fire, dubbed the Eaton Fire, ignited in the Altadena region of LA.
The Hurst Fire then erupted in LA’s Sylmar area as the National Weather Service recorded winds up to 99mph. A new evacuation order was issued for residents in affected areas as the flames spread rapidly, scorching countless acres and demolishing homes and businesses.
Hundreds of incarcerated individuals were mobilized to combat the growing wildfires, with 939 inmates participating, according to the BBC.
This practice is not unusual in California, which is one of 14 US states that utilize inmate labor for firefighting. Participation is voluntary, with compensation ranging from $5.80 to $10.24 per day.
However, inmates with certain convictions, such as arson and sexual offenses, are not eligible to volunteer.
Three days after the initial fire outbreak, the LAPD made an arrest after local residents reported a man on a bike with a large blow torch attempting to ignite bins and old Christmas trees.
Authorities suspect the Kenneth Fire was deliberately set, and the individual is currently in custody.
Southern California Edison, part of Edison International, acknowledged an electrical issue on January 7, the night the fires began.
“On January 10, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed an Electric Safety Incident Report (ESIR) related to the Hurst Fire once SCE learned fire agencies are investigating whether SCE equipment was involved in the ignition, which is a triggering event for reporting,” Edison International revealed in a press release.
“SCE noted that the fire was reported at approximately 10:10pm on 7 January, and preliminary information reflects the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit experienced a relay at 10:11pm. A downed powerline was discovered at a tower associated with the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit. SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire.”
Numerous celebrities were forced to evacuate their homes, many of which were destroyed. This includes Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, Anna Faris, Billy Crystal, and Eugene Levy.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that over 40,000 acres have been consumed by the Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth, and Hurst fires.
Numerous homes and businesses are among the more than 12,000 structures destroyed.
A week into the fire disaster, 24 individuals have been confirmed dead by the LA County medical examiner due to the fires.
Officials have also confirmed that at least 16 people remain missing.