Rows of charred homes span across Los Angeles as devastating wildfires tear through neighborhoods, leaving behind ruins. Yet, scattered among the destruction, a few homes have emerged unscathed.
From hillside residences to coastal properties, these homes stand as symbols of survival in a tragedy that has claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures. Seemingly through luck, some properties have withstood the flames while their neighbors' homes crumbled into ash.
Why It Matters
Wildfires have wreaked havoc across Los Angeles since last Tuesday, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds and a prolonged drought that left vegetation dangerously dry.
Cal Fire reports that the fires—dubbed Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst—have scorched 62 square miles. Officials warn of worsening conditions as strong winds return this week.
At least 23 people remain missing and evacuation orders have displaced tens of thousands. The destruction has been widespread, reducing affluent neighborhoods, places of worship and historic landmarks to ash.
AccuWeather estimates the damage could surpass $250 billion, making these fires potentially the costliest in U.S. history.
What To Know
Amid the devastation, some homes were miraculously spared. The Walsh House, featured in the television series Beverly Hills, 90210, emerged untouched, surrounded by scorched vegetation. Similarly, beachfront properties stood intact despite nearby clusters of destruction.
One resident, David Slater, swept debris from his driveway, relieved that his home remained unscathed despite being surrounded by charred remains. Behind the gate of Slater's home lay fallen trees and debris.
LA Maps Show Wildfire Damage Details
Interactive maps on the LA County Recovers website have helped residents identify the status of their properties, offering descriptions of the damage and photos.
But the divide between survivors and victims is stark, with some returning to find rubble where their homes once stood.
Firefighters are struggling to contain the blazes, with the Palisades fire only 14 percent contained and the Eaton fire only 33 percent contained. Residents returning to assess the extent of the damage are being warned that the ash can contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful materials.
While winds briefly slowed over the weekend, their resurgence threatens further destruction. "We're absolutely better prepared for this coming," LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Monday.
What People Are Saying
Residents and officials have shared their reactions to the devastation and survival stories. "We helped hopefully save a couple houses," said Derek Mabra, an artist who turned off gas lines and extinguished spot fires in Topanga Canyon. "It's complete and total devastation."
Jim Orlandini, who lost his hardware store in Altadena, recounted the moment he saw his home of 40 years survive. "The whole time I was thinking, I don't know what I'm going to find when I get back here and after 40 years, you know, you got a lot of stuff you forget about that would disappear if the house burned down. So we're thankful that it didn't," he said.
"We have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday, addressing the ongoing risk of returning prematurely to disaster zones.
What's Next
As Santa Ana winds return, firefighters brace for a "particularly dangerous situation" predicted to last through midweek. Aircraft and additional crews, some from as far as Canada and Mexico, are being deployed. "We're never sure that we're going to catch the next fire and keep it small," Marrone warned.
President Joe Biden has pledged federal support, while celebrities and organizations have stepped up with donations. Beyoncé contributed $2.5 million through her foundation, and Los Angeles-formed Metallica pledged $500,000.
Meanwhile, aid centers like the one at Santa Anita Park continue to assist displaced residents.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
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