A series of wildfires, intensified by strong Santa Ana winds, have scorched almost 30,000 acres around Los Angeles. These winds, which are prevalent especially in fall and winter, drive dry air from California’s inland deserts towards the coast, as explained by the National Weather Service.

Five distinct wildfires resulting in sizable flames and hazardous smoke have compelled over 100,000 individuals to evacuate their residences, with at least five casualties reported, according to fire department officials. These wildfires have obliterated more than 1,000 homes and are mostly at “zero containment,” as per Cal Fire reports.

Recent satellite and aerial views highlight the scale of destruction inflicted by the rapidly spreading fires in densely populated areas of Los Angeles County.

Destruction in Altadena, California

The Eaton Fire has ravaged homes in Altadena, located northeast of Pasadena. This image was taken on January 8 by the shortwave infrared sensor from Maxar Technologies, which is designed to penetrate the thick smoke of active fires to see the ground and identify flame fronts and hot spots, according to Maxar.

This view shows burning and destroyed homes along Marathon Road in Altadena, captured on January 8, 2024.

This image depicts burning and destroyed structures along East Altadena Drive in Altadena, California, captured on January 8.

Damage along the coast in Malibu

This image from January 8 reveals burning and destroyed homes along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu close to Topanga Beach.

Homes lost in Pacific Palisades

An image from January 7 displays a residence engulfed by flames on Lachman Lane, Pacific Palisades, California.

This image from January 7 shows damaged homes along Catalonia Avenue in Pacific Palisades, California.

Fires destroy land north of the Getty Villa

An image from January 7 illustrates an area on fire approximately a mile north of the Getty Villa, compared to how it appeared on January 1.

While the intensity of the Santa Ana winds has decreased from earlier in the week, there are renewed fears that winds may pick up in the midday and afternoon hours on Thursday. The National Weather Service anticipates gusts between 30 to 50 mph in typical Santa Ana wind zones, with gusts potentially reaching 40 to 55 mph Thursday night and Friday, and isolated gusts up to 70 mph in certain foothills and peaks.