A rapidly growing wildfire in Southern California, known as the Palisades Fire, has produced a massive smoke plume that stretches for more than 100 miles off the coast and into the Pacific Ocean. The plume, visible in weather satellite images, is being driven southwest by strong winds that are also fueling the flames on land.
The fire was first detected by Orora Technology, a thermal intelligence company specializing in wildfire detection using satellite technology. The company identified a hotspot at 10:35 a.m. local time on Tuesday in a remote valley within Topanga State Park, located just under a mile north of the Skull Rock trailhead and The Summit neighborhood.
The Palisades Fire poses a significant threat to the surrounding area, prompting evacuations and firefighting efforts to contain the blaze. The intense winds in the region have made it challenging for firefighters to control the fire's spread, leading to concerns about its potential impact on nearby communities and natural habitats.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to residents as the fire continues to burn. The smoke plume's vast reach serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of wildfires and the importance of early detection and rapid response in mitigating their impact.
