In 2025, California faced one of its most devastating wildfire seasons in decades. These photos reveal the reality behind the headlines: communities displaced, skies turned orange, and moments of both destruction and defiance. As we look back on the images that defined that summer, they remind us of the cost of climate inaction and the strength it takes to rebuild.
Air Tanker Drops Fire Retardant on Palisades Fire
Fire retardant is dropped by an air tanker on the Palisades Fire on the outskirts of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 10, 2025.
Getty Villa Threatened by Palisades Fire
The Getty Villa art museum in Pacific Palisades, California, was threatened by the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025. Museum officials reported that both the Getty Center and Getty Villa remained safe, though closures were implemented for safety.
Burned Vehicle Remains After Palisades Fire
Melted metal from a burned vehicle is visible on the ground of a property following the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 10, 2025.
Helicopter Drops Water on Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills
A firefighting helicopter releases water as the Sunset Fire burns in the Hollywood Hills on January 8, 2025. Evacuations were ordered, and the blaze threatening Hollywood landmarks was later fully contained.
Residences Destroyed by Palisades Fire
Rows of homes were burned to the ground following the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 10, 2025.
Firefighter Examines Charred St. Mark’s School
A firefighter inspects the burned remains of St. Mark’s School, a preschool and K-6 school, on Altadena Drive in Altadena, California, on January 10, 2025.
Family Members Inspect Property Destroyed by Eaton Fire
Khaled Fouad and Mimi Laine embrace while inspecting a family member’s property that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 9, 2025.
Remains of Masjid-Al-Taqwa After Eaton Fire
The burned remains of the Masjid-Al-Taqwa mosque are visible following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 10, 2025.
Aerial View of Burned Homes from Palisades Fire
Burned homes are visible from a helicopter following the Palisades Fire near the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on January 9, 2025.
Firefighters Combat Eaton Fire in Altadena
Firefighters work to contain the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025, in Altadena, California. Strong Santa Ana winds caused the fire to spread across more than 10,000 acres in under 24 hours.
Resident Searches Through Remains of Burned Malibu Property
Luke Dexter reacts while sifting through the remains of his father’s beachfront property following the Palisades Fire in Malibu, California, on January 10, 2025.
Burned Home Stands Behind a Surviving Tree Swing
A swing remains hanging from a tree in front of a fire-damaged home after the Palisades Fire swept through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 10, 2025.
Patients Evacuated as Flames Close In During Eaton Fire
Emergency crews move elderly patients into vehicles as the Eaton Fire advances through Pasadena on January 7, 2025. Embers and nearby flames forced a rapid evacuation of local care facilities.
Wind-Driven Flames Spread Across Los Angeles
A fast-moving fire burns in Los Angeles on January 7, 2025, as Southern California faces a week of intense, late-season fire weather. Strong winds and dry conditions fueled rapid fire growth across the region.
Resident Navigates Smoke-Filled Streets During Pacific Fire
A local resident rides through heavy smoke as the Pacific Fire burns through Pacific Palisades on January 7, 2025. The wind-driven blaze forced evacuations and blanketed Los Angeles in haze.
