Aerial and satellite views highlight the destruction caused by wildfires in California
This article has been updated with new information and images.
Intense Santa Ana winds have fueled multiple wildfires that have resulted in 10 fatalities and affected over 35,000 acres near Los Angeles. According to the National Weather Service, these seasonal winds typically blow dry air from California’s inland deserts towards the coast during the fall and winter.
Fire officials report that five major wildfires, characterized by fierce flames and hazardous smoke, have compelled over 180,000 people to evacuate their residences, and at least 10 lives have been lost. The fires have also led to the destruction of more than 10,000 homes.
Recent aerial and satellite photographs clearly illustrate the extensive damage inflicted by the rapidly spreading fires throughout the densely populated regions of Los Angeles County.
Destruction in Altadena, California
The Eaton Fire has obliterated homes in Altadena, a town situated northeast of Pasadena. An image captured on January 8 by Maxar Technologies’ advanced infrared sensor showcases its capabilities to penetrate the thick smoke of an active fire to assess ground conditions and pinpoint flames and hot spots in the area. As of Friday morning, the Eaton Fire had reached only 3% containment, having expanded to nearly 14,000 acres.
This photo depicts burning and damaged homes located near Marathon Road in Altadena, California, taken on January 8.
This image, also taken on January 8, shows the charred remains of homes and businesses along East Altadena Drive.
A Bank of America branch on Lake Avenue in Altadena was completely engulfed in flames on January 8.
Additionally, an Ezzz Stop Food Store on Lake Avenue in Altadena was among nearly 2,000 structures that have been destroyed since fires erupted in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday.
Damage along the coast in Malibu
The following image, taken on January 9 by Maxar Technologies, illustrates the devastation of homes and buildings along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, particularly near La Costa Beach. A comparison image was captured on October 20, 2024.
This January 8 photo shows burning and destroyed residences along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu near Topanga Beach.
This image from January 8 captures the remnants of homes located along the Pacific Coast Highway near Big Rock Drive in Malibu.
Homes lost in Pacific Palisades
The images below, captured on January 9, depict significant destruction in Pacific Palisades as a result of the recent fires. Earlier comparison images were taken on October 20, 2024. As of Friday morning, the Palisades Fire had scorched over 20,000 acres and was reported to be 8% contained.
A photograph taken on January 7 shows a house that was destroyed on Lachman Lane in Pacific Palisades, California.
Another image from January 7 displays the damage inflicted on homes along Catalonia Avenue in Pacific Palisades, California.
A Chase Bank branch on Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades was lost to the flames on January 8 during the Palisades fire.
Fires ravage area north of the Getty Villa
An image captured on January 7 illustrates an area burning approximately a mile north of the Getty Villa, compared to how it appeared on January 1.
The relentless Santa Ana winds continue to amplify the fires, and combined with offshore winds, forecasters predict that this trend will persist into the following week.
