Greater Los Angeles Fires January 2025

Fires swept across the greater Los Angeles area in early January, scarring more than 50,000 acres and destroying over 15,000 structures. Exceptionally dry conditions, coupled with strong Santa Ana winds, fueled the fires. 

Landsat satellites captured these images on January 6th, the day before the fires began, and again on January 14th.  A band combination of shortwave infrared, near infrared, and red bands was used to highlight the burn scars, or the reddish-brown areas, in the bottom image. Burned areas have high shortwave infrared values and low near-infrared values, whereas healthy vegetation has low shortwave values and high near-infrared values. The spectral contrast between the healthy (unburned) and unhealthy (burned) vegetation makes the burn scars distinct and pronounced. 

View the larger Landsat 8 image.

View the larger Landsat 9 image. 

View this slider image to further compare the images. 

By observing before, during, and after conditions with Landsat data, fire scientists, land managers, and community planners can assess the extent of damage and track recovery over time. Landsat’s long-term record also offers valuable insights into fire frequency, severity, and the resilience of ecosystems. These insights contribute to a better understanding of wildfire dynamics and aid in informing effective management strategies.  

January 6 image: 

Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) 
Band Combination 754; Pansharpened with Band 8
Path 41 Row 36
January 6, 2025

January 14 image:
Landsat 9 Operational Land Imager 2 (OLI) 
Band Combination 754; Pansharpened with Band 8
Path 41 Row 36
January 14, 2025