As wildfires continue to rage in parts of Los Angeles, residents in Altadena are finally able to return home and assess the destruction left in its wake. WSJ’s Ben C. Solomon is on the ground, capturing the heartbreaking moments as residents sift through the wreckage of their homes.
In the video titled ‘Why Did I Survive?’, viewers are taken on a journey through the devastation in Altadena. From homes reduced to rubble to cars melted in driveways, the impact of the fires is evident in every corner of the neighborhood. One resident is seen tearfully returning to her ruined home, unable to hold back her emotions as she surveys the damage.
Amidst the destruction, there are moments of hope and resilience. A locksmith is captured on camera rescuing cars from the chaos, providing a small glimmer of light in the midst of a dark situation. Additionally, the video sheds light on how residents banded together to save their homes, with some sharing their strategies for protecting their properties from the encroaching flames.
As the fires continue to burn in other parts of Los Angeles, the residents of Altadena are faced with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ground up. The video serves as a poignant reminder of the devastation caused by wildfires, while also showcasing the strength and determination of those affected.
Despite the challenges ahead, the residents of Altadena remain resilient, determined to overcome the adversity they face. As the community comes together to support one another in the aftermath of the fires, their spirit and resilience serve as a beacon of hope in the face of tragedy.
Watch the video by The Wall Street Journal
Video “‘Why Did I Survive?’: Altadena Residents Return Home Amid L.A. Fires” was uploaded on 01/13/2025 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal
Thank you for covering ordinary people and not just the Hollywood million dollar homes.
“why did i survive” that hit me like a ton of bricks. these poor people. all this needless suffering. i can’t imagine the survivors guilt doubled with the absolute devastation
I don't know if those houses are made of wood. This is unlikely to happen in Paris.
I think the law should be changed to prevent insurance companies from being able to cancel peoples fire insurances. What good is a insurance if it doesnt cover your losses in cases like these. Some people might not be able to even build a new house if they cant get any compensation.
This is the worst thing Los Angeles has ever faced… I'm deeply saddened for fellow Angelenos who lost it all. I hope they get back on their feet sooner than expected and carry on..
Prayers 🙏🙏🙏for California 😔😔😔
Where's Mr. Beast when you need him?
Karma of gaza
Insurance companies are laughing while watching the fire burn…
they have no problem with that governor so you get what you voted for… hopefully some day you will learn..
🇷🇺🇻🇳🇵🇸🇰🇵🎉🎉❤❤❤😂😂😂💪💪💪👏👏👏🤜🫸🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱
Thats what you get when you elect terrible leaders…
Jesus Christ of Nazareth✝️ please strengthen protect and give your peace to all those involved 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 pray for countless repentance and salvations 0:07
This is so beyond devastating I can’t comprehend, I’m so sorry for everyone who lost everything in the fires ❤
We the prople,trump warned 6yrs ago about wildfires about water why is no water???,we love trump because trump he is strongest president in history of usa, trump2025WH ❤❤❤❤❤
This is when you leave your government being run by a bunch of traitors who value the lives and well-being of Israel more than their own…
Because you were home and able to put out the fire 🔥.
Its a good thing dont beat urself up.
More land for black rock
houseless was blessed to some folks, no headache.
In gta 6 we can re live these iconic places
All the insurance companies are going to be bankrupt
So we need to bring back brick buildings with inner insulation
Survivers guilt
Why isn’t Israel coming to save these people?
this guy saved 3 homes with home depot buckets and the news keeps saying no amount of water would have helped?
i won't come up, yup walk away from it, nothing can't be done, she realizes that quick decision is authentic to help herself. she understood that she worked lot to lose it all. of clear thoughts, she will do well
Don't let people politicize this devastation. I hope people come together and help each other move forward. I know it's hard but dont let the internet get you angry.
1 thing i don't understand, why in us everyone build house from wood, but not from stone and concrete? Of course wood will burn, or hurricane will destroy it. Look at eastern world, almost all houses are from stone and concrete. Yes your yard will burn, maybe trees on yard but house will stay for decades…
we have god so respect god law..
My hearts goes out to all my family and friends in our hometown #Pasadena #AltadenaCa ❤😢
They need to mandate fire proof materials and roofs on all rebuilt homes in LA or lose insurance coverage.
U cry for nature made
But gaza crying for manmade😢😢😢
To all of the comments asking why the homes are built out of wood in the United States or particularly California, here is some information for you. Maybe educate yourself before being patronizing
wood is generally considered a better building material than stone and concrete when it comes to withstanding earthquakes because of its lighter weight, natural flexibility, and ability to absorb seismic energy by flexing without breaking, making it a more resilient option in earthquake-prone areas; whereas stone and concrete are more rigid and prone to cracking under earthquake stress
this was arson, so no insurance and you still have to pay real property taxes.
😭😭😭
God bless them. 🙏💪💐
Everyone has his time to die Everything happens whit allahs will yes we have to struggle to make our best,,, we want and Allah does what he wants what he is allowing to happen nothing moves only by his accepting,,,, Allah is the most just
We belong to God and to God we shall return.
There is no power or strength except with the Almighty, so in God we seek shelter and mercy.
May God give patience to victims families and loved ones.😪😪😪😪
GOD WITH YOU
WOW, WSJ is reporting on real stories? 👍🏼
Question: Have the banks froze people's assets knowing they wouldn't be able to pay their mortgages yet?
Is anyone seeing the irony that, chimneys, the one thing created in a home to start fires is all that's left standing?
Great story. I wish them well.