Categories: US News

Chilling photo marks suspected Palisades Fire origin

Authorities have identified a burn scar along the Temescal Ridge trail in Pacific Palisades as a potential starting point for the devastating fire. Investigators are focusing on illegal fireworks as the likely cause, suspecting they may have smoldered for days before reigniting.

Malibu, CA – January 08: Beachfront homes are devastated by the Palisades fire on PCH on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Malibu, CA. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Residents warned about fire risks for years

Local residents had long complained about teens setting off fireworks in the area, raising alarms at community meetings. Despite their efforts, authorities reportedly lacked the resources to address the issue, leaving the community vulnerable to disaster.

Massive fire claims lives and destroys homes

The Palisades Fire has killed eight people and destroyed over 12,000 structures, making it one of the deadliest wildfires in California’s history. Fire crews have contained just 14% of the 24,000-acre blaze, with high winds complicating efforts.

Dangerous winds create further wildfire risk

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Technicians conduct maintenance at electric facilities among the ruins of beachfront structures at the Palisades section of Pacific Coast Highway after wildfires on January 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The Palisades and Eaton fires have forced tens of thousands of residents to flee this week, leaving many wondering what may remain of their homes in Pacific Palisades, Altadena and surrounding areas. (Photo by Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)

The National Weather Service has issued an unprecedented wind warning for the region, with gusts up to 70 mph. Combined with extreme drought, the conditions have created a high risk for new fires to ignite.

Investigation underway as community demands answers

The ATF and wildland fire investigators are examining the trail for evidence, but officials caution that determining the exact cause will take time. Meanwhile, locals devastated by the fire call for accountability and action to prevent future tragedies.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.

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