The Palisades Fire, California’s largest and deadliest blaze among five ongoing wildfires, may have originated from New Year’s Eve fireworks, according to an analysis by The Washington Post. Using satellite imagery and resident interviews, the investigation revealed that the fire began in the same area as a prior blaze in Temescal Ridge, Santa Monica Mountains.
Locals reported that firefighters quickly responded to the earlier New Year’s Eve fire but were slower to react to the Palisades Fire. Even emergency phone lines were overwhelmed during the critical early hours. The earlier fire, which spread across four acres, had been contained within four hours on January 1, aided by light winds and helicopter water drops.
Satellite data confirmed the origin of the Palisades Fire overlapped with the burn scar from the earlier fire. Experts suggested lingering remnants from the Lachman Fire could have reignited, as smoldering embers can be reignited by winds up to 10 days later.
Meanwhile, other fires remain under investigation. The Eaton Fire, burning over 14,000 acres near Pasadena, may have been sparked by a Southern California Edison transmission tower. Electrical equipment is also suspected in the Hurst Fire. Together, these fires have devastated thousands of homes and businesses and claimed at least 24 lives.
By Sunday, the Palisades Fire was 13% contained, Eaton Fire 27%, and Hurst Fire 95%. Authorities continue efforts to uncover the precise causes of these catastrophic blazes.
Van that remained safe even in the middle of LA fires
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