In Altadena, a father and daughter help evacuees find out if their homes survived the devastating wildfires in California
With many neighbors evacuated and unable to check on their homes, Vanessa and her dad took it upon themselves to help. “People are in shelters, unsure if their homes are still there,” she said. Knowing the situation helps people plan their next steps.
The wildfires around Los Angeles have devastated a huge area, larger than San Francisco, and left tens of thousands under evacuation orders. Over 12,000 structures have been lost, and sadly, at least 24 lives have been claimed. The government is stepping in, offering emergency shelter at military bases nearby.
Vanessa, a nursing student, was out when she first spotted the flames. She rushed home, while others evacuated. Once there, her family packed in the dark after losing power. Her dad, Aluizio, a professor, wanted to stay and fight the fire if it came close. They spent the night trying to protect their home, using buckets of water and hoses to douse embers.
As the fires continued, Vanessa saw her community come together. People were donating food, clothes, and supplies. Taco trucks even provided free meals. Stuck behind barricades, she wanted to help but felt limited. So, she posted in a local Facebook group, offering to take photos of homes for those who couldn’t return.
The response was overwhelming, with requests flooding in. She and her dad set out to check on homes, navigating through debris and destruction. Sadly, many homes were gone. When she had to deliver bad news, it was heartbreaking. “You just say, ‘I’m sorry. I wish there was more that I could do for you,’” she shared.
Her nursing background helped her handle the emotional weight of the situation. “I’m used to seeing people in distress,” she said. She felt proud to be part of the community effort, where volunteers were showing up in droves to help. “It’s overwhelmingly beautiful to see,” she remarked.
