Los Angeles wildfires destroy Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, damage Chabad center

The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center has been destroyed by wildfires ripping through parts of the Los Angeles area, a local ABC affiliate reports, airing footage of flames engulfing the Conservative synagogue.

At least three major brushfires are burning through foothills northeast of Los Angeles, according to Cal Fire, whipped up by strong winds, with authorities saying the situation may yet worsen as firefighters attempt to contain the blazes. The fires have forced tens of thousands to evacuate and there a number of reports of injuries.

“The roof of this building, the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, has completely collapsed,” a correspondent for KABC says from the scene, as video appears to show the building being consumed by flames. “In a matter of minutes this has just completely collapsed.”

In the seaside community of Pacific Palisades, a Chabad center says it has also been affected by the fires, publishing a picture on Facebook of Torah scrolls being removed from the synagogue as smoke wafts in the background.

“Unfortunately, our property has been impacted—our storage area has suffered severe damage, as well as multiple cars in the parking lot. While these losses are difficult, we are most thankful that everyone is safe, and we continue to pray for the protection of all in the affected areas,” a post from the Chabad center reads.

Flames from the Palisades Fire burn in front of the Chabad of Pacific Palisades on Sunset Boulevard during a powerful windstorm on January 7, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California (Apu Gomes/Getty Images/AFP)