A stunning satellite image released by NASA has captured the extent of the devastation left by one of California’s deadly wildfires, as the crews fighting them are gearing up for potential flash flooding Wednesday.
The image of the area around Malibu shows that the Southern California Woolsey Fire – which has burned 1,500 buildings to the ground and damaged hundreds more in a 151-square mile range – has created large enough of a scar on the state’s landscape to be visible from space.
“Burned vegetation appears brown and unburned vegetation appears green,” NASA said in a statement about the image, noting that its colors have been enhanced. “Buildings, roads, and other developed areas appear light gray and white.”
The Woolsey Fire as of Wednesday morning is almost entirely contained. Rain looms in the forecast today for much of California, which could help firefighters trying to extinguish the blazes elsewhere – but it could also complicate efforts to recover the remains of those killed and find people who continue to remain missing. At least 870 people are still unaccounted for. – READ MORE