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Users ofGoogle Mapsin recent days have noticed something very peculiar: Satellite map images that once showed the devastation from last year’sdevastating Palisades and Eaton wildfireshave now been reverted to before the fires.
The change has fueled speculation of political motivations, though no evidence has been provided.
The California Post searched the maps services itself to confirm the change and noted several areas torn by the fires were shown to be in untouched condition.
For example, Homepark Avenue in Altadena was completely gutted as well but today’s Google Map says otherwise. Iliff Street was completely burned down, as was Radcliffe Ave in the Pacific Palisades. Searches today of both these locations show pre-fire conditions.
While some users have claimed they can still see the burned map images on their devices, many have testified on searches of other affected streets they no longer can those fire-ravaged areas — and have been trying to get Google’s attention on it.
Chris Jposted on a Google Maps forumon May 14 that he was trying to make a decision on what homes to buy or rent in the Palisades. Until April 2026, he said he was able to view post-fire conditions on Google Maps, but that changed a few weeks ago.
“People need the correct and accurate information to make informed decisions about the area,” Chris said. “I don’t know why Google would have accurate information for 16 months and then CHANGE it to old, outdated, incorrect information.”
Apparently Google decided “showing current reality” might not be ideal for reelection optics of LA mayor? So now Google Maps is serving pre fire images for parts of LA us and our neighbors live.pic.twitter.com/jPpkCnlC3A
Another user noted there could be technical reasons why such an inexplicable change was made.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
