23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Man Vs. Nature: Witnesses Capture Evidence of Destruction

On the first evening of the Pacific Palisades Fire, the sky near the pier was filled with smoke. The sun, attempting to peek through, created a discombobulating sight- like our beautiful Pacific Ocean had exploded. Those of us on the beach were in disbelief, using our cameras to make sense of what we were seeing.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Santa Monica, California, United States of America
Copyright: © Diana Clevenger-Stephens