Multiple wildfires fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, have burned nearly 30,000 acres near Los Angeles. The winds, which occur most often in the fall and winter, push dry air from over the inland deserts of California and the Southwest toward the coast, the National Weather Service said.
Five separate wildfires producing large flames and dangerous smoke, have forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes and at least five people have died, fire officials said. The fires have destroyed more than 1,000 homes and are most are at “zero containment,” according to Cal Fire.
Recent satellite and aerial imagery reveals the amount of destruction the fast-moving fires have caused in the highly-populated area of Los Angeles county.
Destruction in Altadena California
The Eaton Fire destroyed homes in Altadena California, a town northeast of Pasadena. The image was captured Jan. 8 by Maxar Technologies’ shortwave infrared sensor. This sensor has the ability to see through the dense smoke of an active fire to the ground beneath, as well as locating the flame front and hot spots in the fire, according to Maxar.
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This view of burning and destroyed houses near Marathon Road in Altadena, California was captured Jan. 8.
Fire locations: Where are wildfires around Los Angeles? See maps of blazes that could get worse
This Image of burning and destroyed houses and businesses along East Altadena Drive in Altadena, California was captured on Jan. 8.
A Bank of America location on Lake Avenue in Altadena, California was engulfed in flames Jan. 8.
An Ezzz Stop Food Stores location on Lake Avenue in Altadena was one of nearly 2,000 buildings to burn since the Los Angeles area fires broke out Tuesday.
Homes damaged along the coast in Malibu
This Image captured on Jan. 8 shows burning and destroyed houses along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu near Topanga Beach.
This image taken Jan. 8 shows the remains of homes along the Pacific Coast Highway near Big Rock Drive in Malibu.
Homes destroyed in Pacific Palisades
This image captured Jan. 7 shows a home destroyed on Lachman Ln, Pacific Palisades, California.
This Image captured Jan. 7 shows homes damaged along Catalonia Ave. in Pacific Palisades, California.
A Chase Bank location on Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades burned Jan. 8 in the Palisades fire.
Flames consume area north of the Getty Villa
An image captured Jan. 7 shows an area burning roughly a mile north of the Getty Villa (right) and the same area as it looked on Jan. 1.
While the Santa Ana wind event has subsided from its speeds on Tuesday and Wednesday, there were new concerns that winds will increase during the midday and afternoon hours on Thursday. Reports by the National Weather Service forecast 30 to 50 mph gust in the typical Santa Ana wind locations. Gusts are expected to reach 40 to 55 mph Thursday night and Friday, with a possibility of isolated gusts at 70 mph in some foothills and peaks.
Contributing: Doyle Rice
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles fire pictures: See before, after images of destruction