See the Most Dramatic, Terrifying Photos of the California Wildfire Devastation

Mar. 15, 2025

Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water in the Palisades Fire.Photo:DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty

Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025

DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty

The harrowingwildfires in Los Angeleshave 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, withan as-yet-unknown death tolland, 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.

The harrowingwildfires in Los Angeleshave 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, withan as-yet-unknown death tolland, 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.

01of 25On DutyFirefighters battle flames during the Palisades Fire.Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via GettyA group of fire fighters works to contain swarming flames in the Pacific Palisades.

01of 25

On Duty

Firefighters battle flames during the Palisades Fire.Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty

Firefighters battle flames during the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty

A group of fire fighters works to contain swarming flames in the Pacific Palisades.

02of 25Doing His PartA boy pours water on a smoldering fire.Nick Ut/GettyA young boy is pictured pouring water on a smoldering fire in the Altadena neighborhood on Jan. 8.

02of 25

Doing His Part

A boy pours water on a smoldering fire.Nick Ut/Getty

A boy pours water on a smoldering fire from the Eaton Fire in the Altadena neighborhood on January 08, 2025 in PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the death toll has risen, confirming three more people have died. Additionally, an undetermined amount of homes and businesses have been destroyed.

Nick Ut/Getty

A young boy is pictured pouring water on a smoldering fire in the Altadena neighborhood on Jan. 8.

03of 25Engulfed in FlamesA McDonald’s restaurant is showered in ember.JOSH EDELSON/AFP via GettyA local McDonald’s is showered in embers during the Eaton fire.

03of 25

Engulfed in Flames

A McDonald’s restaurant is showered in ember.JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty

A McDonald’s restaurant is showered in embers during the Eaton fire in Pasadena, California on January 7, 2025. A ferocious wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb devoured buildings and sparked panicked evacuations January 7, as hurricane-force winds tore through the region. More than 200 acres (80 hectares) was burning in Pacific Palisades, a upscale spot with multi-million dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains.

JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty

A local McDonald’s is showered in embers during the Eaton fire.

04of 25Team WorkPasadena firefighters work to contain a burning home on Walworth Avenue in Pasadena.Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via GettyPasadena firefighters work to contain a burning home on Walworth Avenue in Pasadena.

04of 25

Team Work

Pasadena firefighters work to contain a burning home on Walworth Avenue in Pasadena.Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty

Pasadena firefighters work to contain a burning home on Walworth Avenue in Pasadena, CA on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 during the wind-driven Eaton fire.

Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty

Pasadena firefighters work to contain a burning home on Walworth Avenue in Pasadena.

05of 25Run for SafetyA woman runs through the ruins of a home that burned in the Eaton Fire.David McNew/GettyA woman is pictured running through the ruins of a home that burned in the Eaton Fire.

05of 25

Run for Safety

A woman runs through the ruins of a home that burned in the Eaton Fire.David McNew/Getty

A woman runs through the ruins of a home that burned in the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California.

David McNew/Getty

A woman is pictured running through the ruins of a home that burned in the Eaton Fire.

06of 25Heroic ActionsA firefighter from Costa Mesa.Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via GettyA firefighter from Costa Mesa battles to dim a fire burning down a home on Valley Lights Drive.

06of 25

Heroic Actions

A firefighter from Costa Mesa.Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty

January 08: A firefighter from Costa Mesa works to extinguish a fire burning a home on Valleylights Drive during the Eaton fire in the Hastings Ranch community of Pasadena early Wednesday morning Jan. 8, 2025.

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.

07of 25To the RescueA helicopter drops water around homes in Pacific Palisades.DAVID SWANSON/AFP via GettyA helicopter drops water around affected homes in the Pacific Palisades.

07of 25

To the Rescue

A helicopter drops water around homes in Pacific Palisades.DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty

A helicopter drops water around homes threatened by the wind-driven Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, California, January 7, 2025. A fast-moving brushfire in a Los Angeles suburb burned buildings and sparked evacuations Tuesday as “life threatening” winds whipped the region.

A helicopter drops water around affected homes in the Pacific Palisades.

08of 25

People evacuate Temescal Canyon.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

People evacuate Temescal Canyon during the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades California on January 7, 2025. A fast-moving wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb burned buildings and sparked panic, with thousands ordered to evacuate January 7, 2025 as “life threatening” winds whipped the region.

ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

Two Temescal Canyon residents and their dog carry their belongings while evacuating for safety.

09of 25Leaning on Each OtherResidents hugging in Altadena.David McNew/GettyUnder a cloud of ash resulting from the Eaton fires, a group of people are pictured consoling each other.

09of 25

Leaning on Each Other

Residents hugging in Altadena.David McNew/Getty

People hug in a neighborhood where a large portion of the homes burned in the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California. Powerful Santa Ana winds pushed the fire across more than 10,000 acres in less than 24 hours, destroying potentially hundreds of homes and killing five people so far. At least 1,000 structures have burned and 70,000 people are forced from their homes in the Los Angeles area as multiple dangerous wildfires continue to erupt.

Under a cloud of ash resulting from the Eaton fires, a group of people are pictured consoling each other.

10of 25Beloved MonumentsThe Getty Villa art museum.DAVID SWANSON/AFP via GettyThe Getty Villa grounds caught on fire the afternoon of Jan. 7. Amuseum post on Xassured that “some trees & vegetation on site have burned, but no structures are on fire, and staff and the collection remain safe.”

10of 25

Beloved Monuments

The Getty Villa art museum.DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty

The Getty Villa art museum is threatened by the flames of the wind-driven Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, California, January 7, 2025.

The Getty Villa grounds caught on fire the afternoon of Jan. 7. Amuseum post on Xassured that “some trees & vegetation on site have burned, but no structures are on fire, and staff and the collection remain safe.”

11of 25Fighting HardFirefighters prepare to go inside Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School.JOSH EDELSON/AFP via GettyA band of firefighters come together to try and save the Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School auditorium as the school burns during the Eaton fire.

11of 25

Fighting Hard

Firefighters prepare to go inside Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School.JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty

Firefighters prepare to fight flames from inside Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School auditorium as the school burns during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles county, California on January 8, 2025.

A band of firefighters come together to try and save the Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School auditorium as the school burns during the Eaton fire.

12of 25Helping the ElderlyPolice officers moving an elderly resident.ROBYN BECK/AFP via GettyPolice officers in Altadena move an elderly resident from her home.

12of 25

Helping the Elderly

Police officers moving an elderly resident.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

Police officers remove an elderly resident from her home during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025. Rampaging wildfires around Los Angeles have killed at least two people, officials said January 8 as terrifying blazes leveled whole streets, torching cars and houses in minutes.

Police officers in Altadena move an elderly resident from her home.

13of 25

In the Wreckage

Residents walking past burnt homes.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

Residents walk past homes burnt by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 8, 2025. Rampaging wildfires around Los Angeles have killed at least two people, officials said January 8 as terrifying blazes leveled whole streets, torching cars and houses in minutes.

14of 25Save the AnimalsAnimals being moved.Michael Nigro/Bloomberg via GettyA group comes together to rescue horses amidst the Eaton Fire in Altadena.

14of 25

Save the Animals

Animals being moved.Michael Nigro/Bloomberg via Getty

A group resuces horses during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

Michael Nigro/Bloomberg via Getty

A group comes together to rescue horses amidst the Eaton Fire in Altadena.

15of 25Warm EmbraceHastings Ranch resident Patricia Vahdat hugs a neighbor.Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via GettyTwo Hastings Ranch residents share a tight embrace the morning of Jan. 8.

15of 25

Warm Embrace

Hastings Ranch resident Patricia Vahdat hugs a neighbor.Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty

Hastings Ranch resident Patricia Vahdat, right, is embraced by a neighbor after a portion of her home burned during the Eaton fire in the Hastings Ranch community of Pasadena early Wednesday morning Jan. 8, 2025. At least 30 homes have been lost to the fire in the area over night.

Two Hastings Ranch residents share a tight embrace the morning of Jan. 8.

16of 25

Protecting Home

A resident of Sinaloa Ave. defending his home.Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Altadena, CA, Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 - A resident of Sinaloa Ave. tries to defend his home from nearby flames.

Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty

17of 25In the WildA horse being evacuated.Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via GettyA horse is evacuated from a home during the Eaton Fire in Altadena.

17of 25

In the Wild

A horse being evacuated.Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty

A horse evacuated from a home during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty

A horse is evacuated from a home during the Eaton Fire in Altadena.

18of 25Showing BraveryA firefighter in the smoke.Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via GettyA firefighter runs as the Palisades Fire rages along the Pacific Coast Highway.

18of 25

Showing Bravery

A firefighter in the smoke.Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Malibu, California January 8, 2025-A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire as homes burn along PCH in Malibu.Tuesday.

Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty

A firefighter runs as the Palisades Fire rages along the Pacific Coast Highway.

19of 25Looking for SafetyPacific Palisades residents evacuating.Qian Weizhong/VCG via GettyPacific Palisades residents are pictured evacuating their homes on Jan. 7.

19of 25

Looking for Safety

Pacific Palisades residents evacuating.Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty

Residents evacuate their home as a brush fire, pushed by gusting Santa Ana winds, burns on January 7, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California. A fire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles has forced some residents to evacuate amid “life-threatening and destructive” winds.

Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty

Pacific Palisades residents are pictured evacuating their homes on Jan. 7.

20of 25Working HardFirefighter battles the Eaton Fire.Ethan Swope/APA firefighter hoses down a car on fire during the Eaton Fires on Jan. 8.

20of 25

Working Hard

Firefighter battles the Eaton Fire.Ethan Swope/AP

A firefighter battles the Eaton Fire Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif.

Ethan Swope/AP

A firefighter hoses down a car on fire during the Eaton Fires on Jan. 8.

21of 25Looking at the DamageMegan Mantia and her boyfriend Thomas.Ethan Swope/APFilm producer Megan Mantia and her boyfriend Thomas embrace while taking in her fire-damaged home on Jan. 8.

21of 25

Looking at the Damage

Megan Mantia and her boyfriend Thomas.Ethan Swope/AP

Megan Mantia, left, and her boyfriend Thomas, return to Mantia’s fire-damaged home after the Eaton Fire swept through, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif.

Film producer Megan Mantia and her boyfriend Thomas embrace while taking in her fire-damaged home on Jan. 8.

22of 25High TideA car and home burn during the Eaton fire.JOSH EDELSON/AFP via GettyA car and home are ablaze during the Eaton fire in Altadena.

22of 25

High Tide

A car and home burn during the Eaton fire.JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty

A car and home burn during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles

A car and home are ablaze during the Eaton fire in Altadena.

23of 25Strong WindsWorkers attempt to remove a tree that fell on a car due to high winds.ROBYN BECK/AFP via GettyWorkers try to remove a tree that fell on a car due to high winds in Glendale on Jan. 8.

23of 25

Strong Winds

Workers attempt to remove a tree that fell on a car due to high winds.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

Workers attempt to remove a tree that fell on a car due to high winds in Glendale

Workers try to remove a tree that fell on a car due to high winds in Glendale on Jan. 8.

24of 25

In the Aftermath

Cars destroyed by the Eaton Fire sit in the parking area of a burned auto shop

Justin Sullivan/Getty

Charred cars at an auto shop are pictured in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.

25of 25Helping HandChristopher Fiedler, second from left, hugs his neighbor Glen Green.Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via GettyGlen Green (l) hugs his neighbor Christopher Fiedler after the two paired up to save the latter’s home on Sinaloa Avenue in Altadena.

25of 25

Helping Hand

Christopher Fiedler, second from left, hugs his neighbor Glen Green.Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty

Christopher Fiedler, second from left, hugs his neighbor Glen Green

Glen Green (l) hugs his neighbor Christopher Fiedler after the two paired up to save the latter’s home on Sinaloa Avenue in Altadena.

source: people.com

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