The Malibu Boardwalk, one of the most exclusive and expensive destinations in the United States, has nearly disappeared due to the devastating fires that have swept through the region in recent days.
The tragedy has impacted not only this coastal area famous for its natural beauty and multimillion-dollar mansions of renowned artists and politicians facing the Pacific Ocean, but also numerous neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, such as Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena, where the flames have left thousands of people evacuated and their homes in ruins, reported .
The latest satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies clearly show the extent of the destruction from the Palisades fire, which local authorities estimated could exceed $20 billion, as reported on Thursday by Los Angeles Times.
In particular, a stretch of houses in Malibu, located between the Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean, just west of Topanga Beach, has been virtually reduced to rubble.
The infrared images taken on Wednesday, January 8, revealed that the majority of the homes in the area near Tuna Canyon Road have disappeared, reflecting a catastrophe of extraordinary proportions.
The Palisades fire, which began on Tuesday, has destroyed more than 1,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings, Chief Fire Officer Kristin Crowley said at a press conference on Thursday.
There are also at least two reports of human remains found in this fire, although the authorities have not yet confirmed the number of fatalities.
"It is safe to say that the Palisades fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles," Crowley stated.
However, the area near the highway did not suffer as much direct damage, although the overall impact remains devastating.
On another front, about 50 miles away, the Eaton fire has left a trail of destruction in Altadena, where at least five people have lost their lives and dozens of homes have been engulfed by flames. Satellite images also show the irreparable damage on East Altadena Drive, with dozens of structures ablaze and many more completely destroyed.
The Eaton fire, which started Tuesday night, has burned more than 10,600 acres of land and homes by the afternoon of Wednesday, January 8, causing extensive damage in the neighborhoods of Altadena and Pasadena.
Despite efforts to control the flames, conditions remain challenging, and aerial images reveal almost total devastation in many areas.
The value of the losses, both human and material, is incalculable. The flames have destroyed high-value properties and left thousands of residents homeless.
MANSIONES DE FAMOSOS DESTRUIDAS
The actor Adam Brody and his wife, actress Leighton Meester, evacuated their home in Pacific Palisades, valued at approximately 6.5 million dollars, before it was completely engulfed in flames.
For her part, Paris Hilton stated that she evacuated her house in Malibu but later reported that it was destroyed by the Palisades fire.
Additionally, Jamie Lee Curtis stated that she lost her home in Pacific Palisades, and the honorary mayor of Pacific Palisades, Eugene Levy, declared that he fled his house when the "smoke appeared quite black and intense over Temescal Canyon."
James Woods shared videos of his neighborhood as it was engulfed in flames and later confirmed that it had been destroyed.
Billy Crystal and his wife Janice, who moved to Pacific Palisades in 1979, reportedly lost their home to the fire; meanwhile, Grammy winner Diane Warren stated that her beachfront house, which had been hers for almost 30 years, was consumed by the flames.
The reality stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt announced that their house, valued at 3.8 million dollars, was destroyed; and actor Cary Elwes wrote on Instagram that he evacuated his house in Malibu on Tuesday, although it was later confirmed that it was also consumed by the fire.
Other houses were also evacuated, including those of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Other homeowners with residences in areas under evacuation orders include Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, the Vice President Kamala Harris, Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, and Steven Spielberg.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fires in Los Angeles
What was the impact of the Palisades fire in Malibu?
The Palisades fire devastated more than 1,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings in Malibu, leaving a swath of residences between the Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean reduced to rubble. The extent of the destruction is such that costs are estimated to exceed $20 billion.
How did the fires affect the community of Los Ángeles?
The fires have forced the evacuation of thousands of people in Los Angeles, affecting neighborhoods such as Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena. The flames have left thousands of people homeless and have destroyed high-value properties, in addition to causing the deaths of at least five people in Altadena.
What measures are being taken to combat the fires in Los Angeles?
The authorities have deployed federal resources, both ground and air, to assist in extinguishing the fires. Firefighters are facing difficult conditions due to strong winds and dry vegetation, complicating fire control efforts. Evacuation orders have been issued for the most affected areas.
Which celebrities have been affected by the fires in Malibu?
Among the celebrities affected by the fires in Malibu are Paris Hilton, Ben Affleck, Adam Brody, and Harrison Ford. Paris Hilton lost her mansion in the fires and expressed her sorrow for the tragedy while showing solidarity with the affected families.
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