World
January 10, 2025 08:27
los angeles - Tarek, a student in Rotterdam, visits his grandmother in Los Angeles only to find himself fleeing from raging wildfires in a heartbreaking reunion.
It had been years since Tarek Abdalla visited his elderly grandmother Betsy Behny in the US. But the Egyptian student, currently studying Urban Governance at Erasmus University Rotterdam, decided to spend the first holidays after his mother's passing with Betsy (96). What was supposed to be a joyful reunion turned into a nightmare.
On Tuesday evening, while looking out of his grandmother's kitchen window in Altadena, northeast of Los Angeles, Tarek notices a red glow. Realizing it was a fire, he quickly understood the severity of the situation. 'I saw that it was a fire, and it was quickly growing larger. My grandmother didn't believe me at first, and even the 911 emergency line was unaware of it.' But as the fire rapidly spread, the evacuation alarm sounded on Tarek's phone. 'Grandma has trouble walking, and we had to go down a few steps outside. I knew it would take some time, so I barely packed anything, just a folder with some documents and grandma's handbag. I didn't even think about clothes.'
Outside, Tarek and Betsy witnessed a sea of flames in the hills around the house. 'It was as if a volcano had erupted. Due to the strong winds, the fire was spitting out fireballs. I tried to remain positive and said, 'Don't worry grandma, we'll be back tomorrow.' But I think we both knew that wouldn't happen.'
The next day, the dreaded scenario became a reality. Betsy's house had been completely reduced to ashes. The 96-year-old is still struggling to come to terms with this reality. 'I just find it hard to believe that there's nothing left. I still remember exactly where everything was. Then I think, if I point out where the silverware is, they should still be able to find something there, right?'
Betsy will temporarily stay with her granddaughter Morgan in nearby Pasadena. Morgan has been dealing with the bureaucratic processes associated with the disaster. 'There are thousands and thousands of victims, and hence just as many insurance claims. I heard that they will be processed on a first-come-first-serve basis, so I spent the entire afternoon on the phone filing a claim.'
Most evacuated residents, like Betsy, find shelter with family or friends, while others opt for hotels. However, California law prohibits hotels from raising prices by more than ten percent during emergencies. People displaced by the fires can also seek refuge in shelters set up in schools, sports clubs, and concert halls. The Red Cross operates seven shelters where over a thousand people stayed on Wednesday night.
Not all evacuations are prolonged. Residents of a part of Hollywood had to evacuate their homes on Wednesday evening due to a quickly spreading fire in Runyon Canyon Park. Thanks to decreased winds, the Sunset Fire was one of the few fires the Los Angeles Fire Department managed to control, allowing residents to return.
Despite the swift containment, fear gripped the neighborhood. David Caspi recounts receiving a message from a friend about the fire, which seemed to grow rapidly within minutes. Soon, authorities issued an alarm and automated phone calls, with the apartment complex's security guard urging everyone to evacuate immediately. 'There was slight chaos on the street, with many cars and people waiting to be picked up. An older neighbor approached me in distress. Fortunately, she was also quickly picked up.'
Caspi sought refuge with friends in the Valley, only to witness a small fire break out nearby shortly after. 'It was thankfully extinguished quickly, but it highlights the precarious situation we're in. Nowhere feels safe for the time being.'