The death toll from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 30 following the discovery of human remains on Wednesday. Crews from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office Special Operations Response Team found the remains on the 900 block of Boston Street in Altadena. An investigation confirmed that the remains were human, although officials have not yet identified the individual.

The wildfires, which began on January 7, have been among the most deadly and destructive in Southern California history. The Eaton Fire claimed 18 lives, while the Palisades Fire resulted in 12 deaths. The fires forced thousands of residents to evacuate, often with little notice, and led to the closure of significant stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway.

The Eaton Fire, which erupted in Altadena, burned 14,021 acres and destroyed 9,413 structures. The Palisades Fire, which ignited in the Pacific Palisades, scorched 23,707 acres and destroyed 6,833 structures. The causes of both fires are still under investigation. According to KTLA, Southern California Edison is under scrutiny for the Eaton Fire, with over 40 lawsuits filed by residents claiming the utility company was responsible for igniting the blaze. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is investigating the origin of the Eaton Fire, while the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the Palisades Fire.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is using various scientific methods, such as dental records and DNA comparison, to identify the recently discovered remains. This process can take considerable time due to the condition of the remains. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the newly discovered victim appears to be the first death from the Eaton Fire east of Lake Avenue.