Ashes from a recent wildfire near a shipping port in the Los Angeles area are sending a dire message of crisis. Social media users have been mesmerized by the words “Help” and “Tráfico” clearly visible over the scorched earth on Google Earth’s satellite imagery, a poignant reminder of the devastation caused by the fires.
Photos circulating online showed the words “LAPD,” ​​”Federal,” and “Tráfico” written amid the debris.
Officials have not yet commented on the images, but several theories have emerged on the issue. While some believe it could be a prank played by children, others suggest it could be a desperate cry for help from someone affected by the wildfire. One user speculated that it could also be linked to human trafficking, with victims using the message to ask for help.
“This disturbing message was seen on Google Maps in Los Angeles, California, with the words ‘Help’ and ‘Tráfico’ written in debris surrounded by shipping containers. It has been confirmed that the nearby location is a shipping yard, causing Fears are growing “This could be linked to human trafficking or something worse,” one user wrote on Twitter, sharing footage of the location near North Mission Road in Los Angeles.
??BREAKING NEWS: This disturbing message was seen on Google Maps in Los Angeles, California, with the words “Help” and “Tráfico” written in debris surrounded by shipping containers. It has been confirmed that there is a shipping yard next to this location, which… pic.twitter.com/swvBnSogXu
– Dom Lucre | breaker of narratives (@dom_lucre) 26 January 2025
Meanwhile, Los Angeles County crews have spent the past week removing vegetation, strengthening roads and stabilizing slopes in areas devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. These wildfires, fueled by high winds on January 7, turned entire neighborhoods into ashes.
The Palisades Fire, the largest of the fires, destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 11 people. As of Sunday, it was 90% contained. The Eaton fire, which broke out near Altadena and killed at least 16 people, is 98% contained.
