Localities look ‘bombed’, houses charred: Aftermath of California wildfires as seen from above

Major wildfires have been raging in the Los Angeles area of United States' California since Tuesday.

Huge areas affected by the ongoing wildfires in United States' California seemed as if these had been “bombed,” even as fires continued for a third consecutive day on Thursday and firefighters struggled to put out the blazes.

Homes are seen burned while a few still stand, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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One of the neighbourhoods, as per The Associated Press, could only be recognised by the outlines of its streets, as every house there had been destroyed by the flames. A second neighbourhood, on the other hand, appeared like a “patchwork” of standing houses and the ones already gone.

Beach front properties are left destroyed by the Palisades Fire, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP)

Meanwhile, people returning to areas from where they were evacuated, witnessed charred timbers of what previously were buildings, while the wreckage of a home and charred outdoor fireplace stood next to a swimming pool; the water in the pool had turned brackish from soot. A married couple was spotted looking at the remains of their smoldering home. Another person, with their arm covering their face, stood next to a home resembling a “bombed” structure.

Beachfront properties are left destroyed by the Palisades Fire, in this aerial view, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP)

All around Los Angeles, there were scenes of flames everywhere, as several localities continued to burn unabated. Amid the devastation, people had no option but to go about their lives, as they rode past the flames, while others walked past burning houses.

The devastation from the Palisades Fire is seen from the air in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP)

In addition to the wildfires already burning in the area, another blaze, dubbed “Kenneth Fire” by authorities, began, popping up on the boundary of the Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders.

“The Los Angeles Fire Department is issuing a Mandatory Evacuation Order for an immediate evacuation order for all residents within this area,” the fire department said in an alert.