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Many watched in disbelief as their homes were engulfed by flames on television. Since the fires began around Los Angeles, countless residents have returned to their neighborhoods, now smoldering ruins, while the threat of new blazes looms and the city remains on edge.
According to media reports, for many, it was their first direct encounter with the overwhelming loss, as the region of 13 million struggles to face the colossal task of recovery and rebuilding.
On Friday, calmer winds allowed firefighters to gain some control over the most destructive blazes in metropolitan LA, though gusty winds are expected to return over the weekend in an area that has seen no rain for over eight months.
However, by Friday evening, fresh evacuations were ordered, including for The Getty museum, as the Palisades Fire spread towards Interstate 405. Bridget Berg, who watched in horror as her home in Altadena was consumed by flames while at work, returned with her family two days later to confront the devastation.
They carefully stepped through the rubble of their 16-year home. Her children sifted through debris on the sidewalk, discovering small mementos, while her husband retrieved a piece of petrified wood passed down from his grandmother. As she surveyed the destruction, Berg said softly, “It’s not like we just lost our house, everybody lost their house.”
Since the fires first broke out north of downtown LA, more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed, including homes, businesses, and vehicles. The cause of the largest fires remains undetermined. Political blame and leadership failures have begun to surface, with investigations underway.
Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an inquiry into why a 117 million-gallon reservoir was out of service and some hydrants were dry. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley criticized city leadership for not providing sufficient funding and water supplies for firefighting efforts.
At least 11 fatalities have been confirmed, with the toll expected to rise as search efforts continue. Tens of thousands remain under evacuation orders as fires have ravaged over 56 square miles of land. The disaster has affected everyone, from waiters to movie stars.
Damage costs are expected to soar into the tens of billions, with private firms estimating the financial toll. The Walt Disney Co. pledged $15 million to aid in firefighting and rebuilding efforts. The flames consumed schools, places of worship, businesses, and historic landmarks like the Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House.
Neighbors wandered through what remained of their homes, reflecting on what had been lost. In Pacific Palisades, Greg Benton searched for his great-grandmother’s wedding ring amidst the ruins of his home of 31 years.
