Devastating wildfires in California have forced the temporary closure and evacuation of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), with flames coming within a mile of the facility. The laboratory, which plays a key role in NASA's planetary missions and operates the Deep Space Network, is located in a mandatory evacuation zone. However, officials have reported no fire damage to the facility so far.
JPL Director Laurie Leshin provided an update on social media on January 8, stating that while the facility had not been directly affected by the fire, strong winds had caused some damage. “JPL is closed except for emergency personnel,” Leshin wrote. “No fire damage so far (some wind damage) but it is very close to the lab. Hundreds of JPLers have been evacuated from their homes & many have lost homes. Special thanks to our emergency crews. Please keep us in your thoughts & stay safe.
In an emergency update on January 8, JPL confirmed that the laboratory would remain closed until January 13. The facility stated that operations related to the Deep Space Network had been moved offsite to a backup operations center. “Currently, JPL facilities, labs, and hardware are secured and protected,” the announcement read.
The Eaton Fire, which ignited on January 7 in Eaton Canyon, is one of several destructive fires that have ravaged Los Angeles County. Fueled by several days of strong winds, the fire has spread across nearly 10,600 acres and remains 0% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Over 50,000 people have been evacuated from the immediate area, and five casualties have been reported.
JPL, operated for NASA by the California Institute of Technology, is one of the agency's key centers for space and Earth science missions. The laboratory has developed and operated several of NASA's most famous robotic missions, including the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft and the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on Mars. JPL also leads the Mars Sample Return program and manages the Deep Space Network, a global collection of antennas that enables communication with NASA's missions beyond Earth orbit.