A ferocious wildfire broke out in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California, on January 7, 2025, threatening famous landmarks and densely populated neighborhoods. The blaze is one of four major wildfires in the area that have led to significant loss of life and property.

At least five people have died, more than 2,000 structures have been destroyed, and over 130,000 residents have been evacuated. By January 8, authorities declared a state of emergency, with power outages leaving more than 456,000 people in the dark.

Satellite image of wildfire of Los Angeles, California
California, USA. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery

This dramatic scene, captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite on January 9, 2025, shows the widespread devastation.

Open data from Sentinel satellites is invaluable for monitoring wildfires, mapping their extent, and aiding disaster response efforts worldwide.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery

Image: Fieldwork in Svalbard
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