Escaping LA Wildfires: Stories of Courage and Loss

In the heart of Los Angeles, wildfires raged, forcing thousands to flee. Aaron Samson, with his 83-year-old father-in-law, escaped twice with the help of strangers. He recalls his father-in-law saying, "If the flames get too close, leave me behind. " The Palisades Fire destroyed over 1, 000 structures, turned neighborhoods into wastelands, and claimed lives. Residents faced harrowing escapes, with some abandoning cars to flee on foot. In Altadena, elderly residents were wheeled out in hospital beds as flames approached.EJ Soto watched her childhood home burn. Meanwhile, Sheriece Wallace considered jumping into a pool to escape. The community lost historic landmarks like Will Rogers' ranch and the Reel Inn seafood shack. Teddy Leonard, owner of the Reel Inn, watched from a ridge as the wind spread fires. Despite loss, residents found comfort in each other's support.