NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab Safe as Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles

13th Jan 2025
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab Safe as Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena has so far remained untouched by the devastating Eaton fire, thanks to the heroic efforts of first responders. While the lab, famous for its work on Mars rovers and space exploration, has been spared, the surrounding community has suffered significant losses, with many JPL employees among those affected.

JPL Stands Strong Amid Chaos

The Eaton fire has wreaked havoc in areas near the San Gabriel Mountains, destroying homes and forcing thousands to evacuate. Firefighters managed to keep the flames from reaching JPL, NASA’s flagship centre for planetary exploration and climate research.

JPL Director Laurie Leshin wrote the following on X:

Credit: X

The Toll on the JPL Community

While the lab itself remains operational, the human toll has been severe. Leshin highlighted the ongoing struggles of the broader JPL community, with over 1,000 people still evacuated and more than 150 homes completely destroyed. Many displaced individuals, including employees and their families, face long-term uncertainty.

To support those affected, JPL has launched a disaster-relief fundraising initiative to aid its employees and others impacted by the fire.

A Broader Climate Crisis

Southern California’s wildfires are becoming an annual crisis, fuelled by extreme heat, prolonged drought, and strong winds. As a leader in climate science, JPL has studied the very forces driving these events, including air quality degradation and greenhouse gas emissions caused by wildfires.

JPL is one of NASA’s most critical science facilities, employing thousands of scientists, engineers, and researchers. That such a vital institution sits on the frontlines of a wildfire underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and its escalating impacts.

A Message of Gratitude

The bravery of first responders in holding back the flames has not gone unnoticed. Leshin expressed her gratitude to those on the front lines and acknowledged the resilience of the community during this challenging time.

While the flames may be at bay for now, the scars left behind will take years to heal. JPL’s survival is a testament to the dedication of firefighters, but the plight of its displaced employees reminds us of the human cost of these increasingly frequent disasters.

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