The Los Angeles wildfires continue to burn out of control, with the death toll now at seven and expected to climb. Nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate and at least 10,000 buildings have been destroyed, L.A. Sheriff Robert Luna stating in a press conference that some of the impacted areas “look like a bomb was dropped in them.”
Now satellite imagery is providing a look at the destruction caused by the fires — devastation which is likely to grow. The strong winds and dry conditions which have fuelled California’s wildfires are predicted to continue until the middle of next week, with gusts of 55 mph forecast for Thursday night. The fires remain largely uncontained despite firefighters’ tireless efforts, with the emergency responders also having been hindered by a lack of water.
The Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades is currently the largest wildfire threatening L.A., and is estimated to be nearly 20,000 acres (over 31 sq mi) in size.
Left: A satellite image of buildings along the Pacific Coast Highway, Tuna Canyon, Palisades, California on Oct. 20, 2024. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies
Right: A satellite image of the same area on Jan. 8, 2025, after the Palisades fire. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies
Short wave infrared blended satellite imagery of the Palisades Fire on Jan. 8, 2025. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies.
Short wave infrared blended satellite imagery of the Palisades Fire on Jan. 8, 2025. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies.
The second largest L.A. wildfire currently burning is the almost 14,000-acre (over 21 sq mi) Eaton Fire, which is tearing through Altadena near Pasadena.
Satellite imagery showing smoke billowing from the Eaton Fire in Arcadia, California on Jan. 8, 2025. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies.
Left: A satellite image of neighborhood along Alltadena Drive in Altadena, California on Jan. 6, 2025. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies
Right: The same area on Jan. 8, 2025, during the Eaton Fire. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies
Left: A satellite image of a neighborhood near Fair Oaks Avenue in Altadena, California on Jan. 6, 2025. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies.
Right: The same area on Jan. 8, 2025, during the Eaton Fire. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies.
Shortwave infrared satellite imagery of buildings in Altadena, California burning in the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies.
Left: A satellite image of a neighborhood in Altadena, California, on Jan. 6, 2025. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies
Right: The same area on Jan. 8, 2025, after the Eaton Fire. Credit: Satellite image (c) 2025 Maxar Technologies
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