See the Most Dramatic, Terrifying Photos of the California Wildfire Devastation
The harrowing wildfires in Los Angeles have seen the displacement of tens of thousands of people across the county in a matter of three days.
The fires first sparked in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7 and have been raging since, taking hold of thousands of acres along the way. Residents (including many celebrities) from areas such as Malibu, Santa Monica, Altadena and more, were forced to evacuate, leaving behind their lifelong homes and sentimental belongings in pursuit of safety. And the devastation was enormous; it’s already being called the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, with an as-yet-unknown death toll and, as of Thursday midday, the biggest fires in the Palisades and Eaton remained at 0% containment.
First responders and emergency personnel continue to work to get the situation under control, leading to powerful and compelling pictures of heroism and devastation.
Below, see some of the most heartbreaking and powerful photos from the wildfires in Los Angeles.
On Duty
Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty
A group of fire fighters works to contain swarming flames in the Pacific Palisades.
Doing His Part
Nick Ut/Getty
A young boy is pictured pouring water on a smoldering fire in the Altadena neighborhood on Jan. 8.
Engulfed in Flames
JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty
A local McDonald’s is showered in embers during the Eaton fire.
Team Work
Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty
Pasadena firefighters work to contain a burning home on Walworth Avenue in Pasadena.
Run for Safety
David McNew/Getty
A woman is pictured running through the ruins of a home that burned in the Eaton Fire.
Heroic Actions
Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty
A firefighter from Costa Mesa battles to dim a fire burning down a home on Valley Lights Drive.
To the Rescue
DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty
A helicopter drops water around affected homes in the Pacific Palisades.
On the Move
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
Two Temescal Canyon residents and their dog carry their belongings while evacuating for safety.
Leaning on Each Other
David McNew/Getty
Under a cloud of ash resulting from the Eaton fires, a group of people are pictured consoling each other.
Beloved Monuments
DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty
The Getty Villa grounds caught on fire the afternoon of Jan. 7. A museum post on X assured that “some trees & vegetation on site have burned, but no structures are on fire, and staff and the collection remain safe.”
