The Xiguang-1 hyperspectral satellite captures the latest information on the areas severely affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Image: Location map of the Los Angeles wildfires. Image source: Luzhong Morning Post

According to data from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, the Palisades Fire, burning in western Los Angeles County, has claimed eight lives, while the Eaton Fire, burning in eastern Los Angeles County, has claimed 17. In addition, nearly 30 people are missing.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection stated that the wildfires have burned approximately 164 square kilometers. Of this, the Palisades Fire has burned approximately 96 square kilometers, with only 17% of the fire contained; while the Eaton Fire has burned approximately 57 square kilometers, with 35% of the fire contained.

The Xiguang-1 series satellite 02 passed over Los Angeles at 2:53 AM Beijing time on January 15, 2025, and conducted high-precision imaging of the severely damaged areas of Palisades and Eaton fires. The satellite achieved a hyperspectral ground resolution of 40 meters and an imaging swath of 80 kilometers, focusing on Palisades, Eaton, and the Los Angeles urban area. Hyperspectral data shows that the spread of the fires in the affected areas has slowed, and the large amounts of smoke from the rapid fires of the previous days have not reappeared.

Image: "Xiguang-1" hyperspectral satellite monitors wildfires in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the Xiguang-1 02 satellite also used its infrared camera to conduct infrared imaging. The images showed that the mountain temperatures in Palisades and Eaton were significantly higher than in other areas, the images were bright, and the extent of forest fires was clearly discernible, providing important information for rescue and firefighting efforts.

It is worth noting that a red alert for strong winds was issued for the Los Angeles area on the 13th, and the National Weather Service predicts that the strong winds will continue until the 15th, with maximum wind speeds reaching 112 kilometers per hour. In response to this situation, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD will continuously track the fire situation based on satellite transit data, fully leveraging the advantages of hyperspectral remote sensing satellites to provide real-time and accurate remote sensing data support for firefighting efforts.