Los Angeles fires: Family pays tribute to man who ‘lived life to the fullest’ after death in Palisades fire

The family of a man who died in the Pacific Palisades fire has paid tribute to his “contagious smile and endless sense of humor.”

Meredith Mortimer, niece of victim Charlie Mortimer, stated that her uncle “truly lived life to the fullest.”

In a statement released to Sky News, she said: “He was a world traveler, sun worshiper and avid sports fan. (He finally got to see his beloved Chicago Cubs win the World Series).”

Latest fires in Los Angeles: The fire chief issues a warning due to life-threatening winds

Charlie “will be remembered as a man with a quick wit, a brilliant mind and a love for his family,” she continued. “His infectious smile and endless sense of humor will be greatly missed by his friends and family around the world.”

At least 24 people died fires in Los Angeles and 23 other people are currently missing.

Victims also include: Rory Sykes, British-born former child starwho died after his mother failed to save him from the burning house.

Three of the five fires that started last week are still burning, although one – the Hurst fire – is now 97% contained.

The two largest, the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire, did not grow larger in two days thanks to the hard work of approximately 8,500 firefighters.

However, authorities warn that “the danger is not over yet” as the strong winds that helped spread the fires will be at their worst today.

“Life-threatening, widespread and destructive winds are already upon us,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said today at a news conference.

A total of 88,000 people are under evacuation orders. Some forced to flee last week have been able to briefly return to their neighborhoods in recent days, where many have found homes and communities turned to ash.