Photos Capture Destruction and Heroism During Devastating Southern California Wildfires

The devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area last week, fueled by powerful winds and severe drought conditions, have taken the lives of at least 27 people, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced mass evacuations. 

The Palisades Fire alone has consumed over 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 5,300 structures, while the Eaton Fire has burned over 14,000 acres, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins. As of the latest updates, some fires remain only partially contained, and evacuation orders continue to affect tens of thousands of residents, many of whom have been left homeless. 

The following series of photos, captured by Make It Better Foundation Director of Photography Mark Edward Harris, documents the devastating impact of the Palisades Fire on the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades and Malibu, as well as the incredible bravery of firefighters risking their lives to contain the fire.

Updated: Jan 17, 2025

How to Help and Get Help

For the most up-to-date information about the fires and evacuation orders, visit CalFire’s current emergency incident page. Fire-tracking app Watch Duty, operated by Bay Area nonprofit Sherwood Forestry Service, has also proven to be an invaluable tool for tracking evacuation information, shelter locations, weather alerts, and the ability to set up notifications for specific incidents. Immediate assistance is also available via the Red Cross by visiting redcross.org, via the free Red Cross Emergency App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999.

For ways to help and organizations to support, see our How to Help guide to the Southern California wildfires.

Assignments have taken award-winning photographer and Make It Better Foundation Director of Photography Mark Edward Harris to more than 100 countries on all seven continents. His books include Faces of the Twentieth Century: Master Photographers and Their Work, The Way of the Japanese Bath, Wanderlust, North Korea, South Korea, Inside Iran, The Travel Photo Essay: Describing A Journey Through Images and his latest, The People of the Forest — a book about orangutans. He proudly supports the Center for Great Apes, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, and the Search Dog Foundation. You can find him on Instagram or at his website.