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Pacific Palisades wildfire satellite footage shows destruction caused in Southern California as ‘worse is yet to come’

Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, has now ordered the evacuation of almost 49,000 residents.

Published on: Jan 8, 2025, 20:43:01 IST
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Satellite images show the devastation caused by the fast-growing Palisades Fire in Southern California. The wildfires have destroyed several buildings and forced evacuation of thousands of people.

Palisades Fire: A structure burns in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (Bloomberg)
Palisades Fire: A structure burns in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (Bloomberg)

Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, has now ordered the evacuation of almost 49,000 residents. Approximately 13,208 buildings and 10,367 homeswere at danger of being destroyed, according to Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley, reported Business Insider.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University's Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) have released satellite images that show the inferno expansion along the coastline.

“A dire situation is unfolding tonight as wildfires rage in Southern California,” CIRA wrote on X, sharing the footage of California wildfire. “Communities continue to be significantly impacted by the Palisades and Eaton Fires.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issues state of emergency

CIRA's video appears to show the footage of the area of Altadena, where the Eaton Fire commenced, and shows the exact time another fire erupted.

Another fire, Hurst Fire in Sylmar, broke out later in the day on Tuesday.

In the San Fernando Valley, the Hurst First has destroyed at least 500 acres of fire and forced evacuations in several areas.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued a state of emergency as officials have warned that “worse is yet to come” because extreme winds are making it difficult to suppress the fires.

According to Powerages.com, over 302,000 households are facing power cuts as region's infrastructure has been damaged due to fire.

The Mayor of Los Angeles informed that the city is offering refuge and assistance to the thousands of families affected due to the devastating fire.

“To the hundreds of brave firefighters and first responders who have been responding all day to this blaze – we thank you. The City is working aggressively to confront this emergency.”

Also Read: California: Los Angeles sky turns orange-grey as another wildfire erupts | Watch videos

Is climate change responsible for California wildfires?

Experts claim that California's flames are becoming huge and more intense due to climate change. According to CAL Fire, 15 of the 20 most catastrophic fires in the state's history have taken place in the last ten years.

According to Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, rising temperatures have made California wildfires more lethal.

“Heat essentially turns the atmosphere into a giant sponge that draws moisture from plants and makes it possible for fires to burn hotter and longer,” he stated on NASA's Earth Observatory website.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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