On January 8th, Angelenos woke up to a day filled with anxiety and uncertainty as devastating fires ravaged Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Over the course of the next 24 hours, the fires caused unprecedented levels of destruction, claiming at least 28 lives, destroying over 18,000 buildings, and creating a burn zone 2½ times the size of Manhattan. This disaster would forever divide history into a “before” and “after.”
The day began with strong winds raging through the Santa Monica Mountains, prompting residents like Sue Kohl and her daughter Courtney to quickly evacuate as flames approached. Evacuation alerts were issued as the fires spread rapidly, forcing residents to flee for safety. As the day progressed, stories of heroism emerged, such as Kimberly Barrera’s daring rescue of a cancer patient from a burning home in Altadena.
As night fell, the fires continued to rage out of control, stretching firefighters thin and causing widespread devastation. Evacuation orders came late for some residents, resulting in harrowing escapes as homes burned around them. Celebrities like Paris Hilton learned that their homes had been lost in the fires, adding to the widespread devastation.
As dawn broke the next day, Los Angeles was left grappling with the aftermath of the fires, with efforts underway to assess the extent of the damage. The full impact of this disaster would be felt for years to come, with communities forever changed by the destruction. The heroic efforts of firefighters and residents alike underscored the resilience and strength of the city in the face of tragedy.
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