As someone who was born and raised in Los Angeles, words cannot describe the heartbreak I feel as I watch our city burn to the ground. Several wildfires are being fueled by dry brush and powerful 60+ MPH winds in the area, forcing firefighters and first responders to battle impossible conditions as they issue evacuation orders and protect structures.
From Pacific Palisades to Pasadena, the destruction is devastating. Grocery stores I frequented are no longer there. The multi-million dollar homes I used to admire while driving on Pacific Coast Highway have been leveled. Thousands are left with nowhere to go, and there’s seemingly no end in sight.
Despite the widespread fear, the sense of community among Angelenos has never been stronger. Neighbors are staying behind to protect other houses in their neighborhood. Homeowners are leaving buckets of water for wildlife fleeing the flames. Heroic firefighters are running into burning homes to save keepsakes. People in non-affected areas are opening their doors to displaced strangers.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the devastation of these fires and how it will impact our city for months (potentially years) to come. While it’s easy to feel helpless, there are multiple ways you can lend support from afar.
