Satellite images reveal destruction from LA wildfires

LA shelters open doors to small animals and large livestock amid fires.

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Wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Los Angeles, with five major blazes burning through neighbourhoods and forcing mass evacuations.

The Eaton and Palisades fires, the two largest, remain entirely uncontained, consuming nearly 26,400 acres.

Satellite images reveal stark before-and-after contrasts of the damage, highlighting the catastrophic impact.

Photo: Maxar Technologies Here's a satellite image of houses in Altadena before the fires

Photo: Maxar Technologies The Eaton fire started in Altadena around 18:30 local time on Tuesday and by Wednesday night, five deaths had been reported and it had spread to more than 10,000 acres

Photo: Maxar Technologies Here's what the Pacific Coast Highway along the Malibu coastline looked like before the Palisades fires

Photo: Maxar Technologies And here's what the same highway now looks like with a scorched landscape and smoke covering the area

Hollywood Hills, home to the iconic Hollywood sign, is among the worst-hit areas.

The Sunset fire, which began on Wednesday, has left parts of Sunset Boulevard in ruins and triggered mandatory evacuations, leading to gridlock on city streets.

Fire Chief Mike Stanton described the Hollywood Hills blaze as “rapidly expanding” with no chance of containment. Meanwhile, footage from the city paints a grim picture, with flames illuminating the skyline in a haunting glow.

The fires have claimed at least five lives, with over 137,000 residents evacuated. Among those affected is Paris Hilton, whose home was destroyed. Officials describe the disaster as the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles' history.

Neighbouring counties are also under threat, as the blazes show no signs of abating. Authorities continue to urge residents in affected areas to evacuate promptly and avoid returning until it is safe.

As firefighters work tirelessly to battle the flames, experts warn of worsening conditions due to dry winds and rising temperatures.

In response, eight pet daycare centres have opened their doors to small animals, offering temporary shelter for those in need. Additionally, four shelters are accommodating larger animals, such as horses, providing some relief for evacuees with livestock.

Photo: EPA

A Reuters photographer captured a desert tortoise roaming the streets among evacuees fleeing the Eaton fire in Altadena, highlighting the unique challenges of keeping animals safe during such large-scale evacuations.

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

As the fires continue to spread, animal welfare organisations and shelters are working tirelessly to support evacuees and their pets. Many residents are also sharing resources and reaching out to local community groups to help care for animals in need.