Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles, Impacting NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Its Workforce
Sence early January, wildfires have ravaged the greater Los Angeles area, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The fires have claimed the lives of at least 27 people and caused an estimated $250 billion in damages. Tens of thousands of residents have been displaced, with many finding their homes reduced to ashes.Recovery efforts, particularly for the region’s most vulnerable populations, are expected to take years.
Among those affected are more than 210 employees of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. This represents approximately 4% of the lab’s 5,500-strong workforce. The list of those who lost their homes includes JPL’s deputy director, Leslie Livesay.
“Collectively,we’re heartbroken at the loss,but heart-warmed by how the community is coming together to support one another,” said JPL director Laurie Leshin in a statement to Eos.The devastation extends beyond those who lost their homes. More than 100 additional JPL employees, including Leshin herself, are experiencing long-term displacement due to the destruction of their neighborhoods and surrounding infrastructure. Approximately 20% of the lab’s workforce was forced to evacuate,with many still unable to return home.
As the fires threatened the JPL campus, the facility closed its doors on 8 January to all but emergency personnel. The lab’s proactive fire protocols, including maintaining a brush-free hillside campus, creating firebreaks, and operating an on-site fire department, helped protect the facility. Though, the human toll has been meaningful.
In a heartfelt tweet, JPL highlighted the resilience of its community while acknowledging the losses: “Firefighters held back the flames at JPL’s gates, but many of our coworkers lost their homes.” The lab has also shared links to public GoFundMe campaigns to support affected employees.
Key Impacts of the Wildfires on JPL
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Employees Affected | 210+ lost homes; 100+ displaced long-term; 20% of workforce evacuated |
| Leadership Impact | Deputy Director Leslie Livesay and Director Laurie Leshin among those affected |
| campus Status | closed since 8 January; protected by fire protocols |
| Community Response | GoFundMe campaigns launched to support displaced employees |
The wildfires have underscored the fragility of even the most advanced institutions in the face of natural disasters. While JPL’s physical campus remains intact,the emotional and logistical challenges for its workforce are immense.As the region begins the long road to recovery, the JPL community’s resilience and solidarity serve as a beacon of hope. For those looking to support the affected employees, consider contributing to the publicly shared GoFundMe campaigns.
The fires may have tested the limits of human endurance, but they have also revealed the strength of community bonds.As Leshin aptly put it, “We’re heartbroken at the loss, but heart-warmed by how the community is coming together.”
NASA’s JPL Battles Wildfires While Safeguarding Space Missions
In the face of the devastating Eaton Fire that swept thru Southern California in January 2025, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) found itself at the intersection of crisis and resilience. Situated in the fire’s projected path, JPL’s campus became a critical battleground, not only for protecting its cutting-edge facilities but also for supporting local firefighting efforts.
“It’s an industrial site, and so we have to make sure that we understand what we’ve got and make sure it’s safely protected,” said Laurie Leshin, JPL’s director. The lab’s on-site fire department worked tirelessly to safeguard the campus while also helping to contain one flank of the fire.
A Hub for Firefighting Efforts
JPL’s strategic location and resources proved invaluable during the crisis. The lab’s watering station, perched atop one of its hills, became a lifeline for firefighting helicopters. These aircraft regularly landed at JPL to refill with water before returning to the frontlines to combat the blaze.
Along with its on-the-ground efforts, JPL deployed its advanced technology to assess the fire’s impact. The lab flew NASA’s Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-3 (AVIRIS-3) over the affected area, capturing detailed images of the charred landscape.Burned areas were falsely colored in browns and oranges, providing critical data to understand the fire’s scope and scale.
“We were all working to help keep our community safe,” Leshin emphasized.
Keeping the deep Space Network Operational
While the fire raged, JPL’s mission-critical operations continued uninterrupted. The lab manages the Deep Space Network (DSN), a global system of antennas that communicates with spacecraft across the solar system. For the first time since 1963, the mission operations center had to be evacuated.
“We have had people in our mission operations center 24/7, 365, as 1963, and this is the first time we pulled out of that building,” Leshin said. Following their contingency plan,operations were seamlessly transferred to the backup site at NASA’s Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in central California.
“We practice it twice a year, but we’ve never had to do it,” Leshin noted. Despite the unprecedented evacuation, JPL ensured that missions like the Mars rovers and others did not lose any data or suffer significant operational disruptions.
A Testament to Preparedness and Resilience
The Eaton Fire underscored the importance of JPL’s preparedness and adaptability.From safeguarding its facilities to supporting firefighting efforts and maintaining mission-critical operations, the lab demonstrated its ability to navigate crises without compromising its scientific endeavors.
“Missions did not lose any data or suffer any significant loss of operations,” Leshin confirmed.
Key Takeaways from JPL’s Response
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Firefighting Support | JPL’s watering station aided firefighting helicopters. |
| Technology Deployment | AVIRIS-3 mapped the fire’s impact, providing critical data. |
| Mission Continuity | DSN operations moved to Goldstone, ensuring no data loss. |
| Community Safety | JPL’s efforts helped protect both its campus and the surrounding community.|
Looking Ahead
As JPL continues its work on 40 active missions, the lessons learned from the Eaton Fire will undoubtedly shape its future contingency planning. The lab’s ability to balance crisis response with mission-critical operations serves as a testament to its resilience and dedication to both science and community.
For more insights into JPL’s role in space exploration and disaster response, explore NASA’s official resources on the Deep Space Network and the AVIRIS-3 instrument.
—
Stay informed about NASA’s latest missions and innovations by following updates on their official channels.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Reopens Amid Ongoing Fire Recovery Efforts
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, has reopened its doors after being temporarily closed due to the devastating Palisades fire and Eaton Fire, which threatened the region earlier this month. While the fires caused significant disruption, JPL’s campus remained largely unscathed, allowing the facility to resume operations and continue its critical work in space exploration.
A Heroic Effort Amid crisis
Despite the chaos caused by the wildfires, JPL’s team managed to keep all ongoing missions operational. the Mars rovers, for instance, were placed in a safe mode to ensure their survival in case communications with Earth were lost. During this period, the rovers collected passive data, including wind, pressure, and temperature observations, which were later transmitted back to Earth.
“In the midst of being displaced from their homes and trying to make sure everyone was safe, the team also kept all the missions going,” said Laurie Leshin, JPL’s director. “that’s a heroic story for the science community.”
Fire Containment and Recovery Progress
As of 22 January 2025,the Palisades Fire is 68% contained,while the Eaton Fire is 91% contained.Emergency managers are closely monitoring weather and wind conditions to prevent any resurgence. JPL’s campus, fortunately, did not sustain major fire damage. however, hurricane-speed winds damaged the roofs of 10 buildings, and debris cleanup is still underway.The mission operations center is now fully staffed, and essential personnel have returned to on-site work. All other staff have been encouraged to work remotely until 28 January, after which they can return to the lab as their personal situations allow.
Supporting Staff and First Responders
JPL and its university partner,the California Institute of Technology,have established a relief fund to support staff affected by the fires. The fund has already raised more than $2.5 million, providing much-needed assistance to those who lost homes or faced other hardships. additionally, JPL is collaborating with a trauma team to offer support to first responders and staff.
“For people whose houses are lost,who don’t have lots of other places to go,they can come to the lab,” Leshin shared.“I have to tell you,I did it myself last week,and being in a familiar environment felt really good. I think there is something about being grounded in a routine that is really helpful at this time.”
Key Updates at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Fire Containment | Palisades Fire: 68% contained; Eaton Fire: 91% contained |
| JPL Campus Damage | roof damage to 10 buildings; no major fire damage |
| Relief Fund | Over $2.5 million raised for affected staff |
| Operations Status | Mission operations center fully staffed; remote work encouraged until 28 Jan |
looking Ahead
As JPL continues its recovery efforts,the focus remains on supporting its staff and maintaining the momentum of its groundbreaking missions. The resilience displayed by the JPL team during this crisis underscores their commitment to advancing science and exploration, even in the face of adversity.For more updates on JPL’s recovery and ongoing missions, visit the official JPL website.
—Kimberly M. S.Cartier (@AstroKimCartier), Staff Writer
This article is based on facts from Eos.
Is a testament to their dedication and ingenuity.”
