The wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles persist in causing chaos, with the death toll currently at seven and likely to increase. Nearly 180,000 individuals have been compelled to evacuate, and at least 10,000 structures have been lost. L.A. Sheriff Robert Luna characterized the destruction as akin to “a bomb being dropped” on certain areas during a news briefing.

Satellite imagery has captured the extensive damage inflicted by the fires, which are anticipated to escalate. Propelled by strong winds and arid conditions, the fires remain predominantly uncontrolled. Weather predictions indicate gusts reaching up to 55 mph through Thursday night, with these difficult conditions expected to endure until the middle of next week. Firefighters are laboring relentlessly to manage the blaze but encounter major obstacles, including insufficient water supply from hydrants in some locales.

### Palisades Fire: The Most Significant Threat
The **Palisades Fire**, situated in Pacific Palisades, stands as the most considerable wildfire jeopardizing Los Angeles. Covering nearly 20,000 acres (over 31 square miles), it has left a path of devastation in its trail. Satellite images depict the stark difference between the region before and after the blaze, illustrating the extensive damage.

Shortwave infrared satellite imagery offers a clearer picture of the fire’s effects, showcasing the charred buildings and burnt landscapes. The fire has ravaged neighborhoods along the Pacific Coast Highway and Tuna Canyon, with images capturing the dramatic alteration of these regions.

### Eaton Fire: A Close Contender
The **Eaton Fire**, burning near Altadena and Pasadena, ranks as the second-largest wildfire in the area, engulfing nearly 14,000 acres (over 21 square miles). Satellite images depict smoke rising from the impacted locales, with neighborhoods along Altadena Drive and Fair Oaks Avenue experiencing substantial destruction.

Before-and-after satellite comparisons reveal the fire’s catastrophic trajectory, turning entire neighborhoods into smoldering ashes. Shortwave infrared imagery further highlights the severity of the damage, documenting burning structures and the fire’s unyielding advance.

### A Somber Forecast
The wildfires in Los Angeles remain far from under control, with emergency crews grappling with both the flames and unfavorable conditions. As the fires continue to expand, the devastation they create is being recorded in vivid detail through satellite imagery. With weather conditions unlikely to get better in the near future, the outlook remains grim for the impacted communities.

For those displaced by the flames, organizations like Airbnb are stepping forward to provide free emergency accommodations, offering some respite to evacuees during this difficult time.