Over a hundred thousand people had to be evacuated from Los Angeles' Pasadena and the Pacific Palisades areas after a wildfire raged through the city from both sides. The blaze spread to the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, killing five people as fire crews battled three major fires.
The Palisades fire burned over 15,800 acres and numerous homes, and businesses before heading westward along Pacific Coast Highway toward Malibu. Five deaths are reported from Altadena, where the Eaton fire exploded Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, satellite images show the devastation in the Malibu area. The images by Maxar Technologies show how most houses in the Tuna Canyon Road were wiped out. A smoke advisory is in force around much of the Malibu Coast, stretching all the way down to Santa Monica and covering Beverly Hills.
Before and after images of Malibu area | Maxar
In East Altadena Drive, a fast-moving Eaton fire burnt down buildings, including Pasadena Jewish Temple & Centre. The fire was initially estimated at about 10 acres, but it quickly exploded across 200 acres, then to 400 acres by Tuesday night. The fire was fanned by dry winds, including the notorious Santa Anas, which also contributed to warmer-than-average temperatures in Southern California.
The before and after images of Altadena Drive | Maxar
Firefighters urged people who lived in the neighbourhood to leave immediately. "Get in your vehicle and leave the area as soon as possible."
Celebrity homes burnt down
Hollywood A-listers who lost their homes include Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton and Antony Hopkins. More than 1,000 structures have been destroyed as six separate blazes burn in and around Palisades, which is dotted with film stars' mansions.
Hilton took to Instagram to convey her anguish: "Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. This home is where we built so many precious memories... My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by this fires."
