A relentless series of wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County has claimed at least 10 lives, with harrowing stories emerging about the victims who perished trying to protect their homes or awaiting rescue from the inferno.
Victor Shaw, 66, one of the victims of the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, was found clutching a garden hose. According to KTLA, Shaw chose to stay behind on Tuesday night to fight the flames threatening his family home of over 50 years. His body was discovered the following day on a roadside.
"They just told me that he was lying on the ground and that he looked serene, as if he was at peace," his sister Shari Shaw said.
The devastation is widespread, with five active fires — the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia Fires — collectively scorching over 30,000 acres, according to Cal Fire. The Palisades Fire alone has consumed nearly 20,000 acres and is only 6% contained. Authorities estimate that over 10,000 homes and businesses have been reduced to ash.
Barbara Bruderlin, head of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, described the devastation as “total destruction and loss.”
"There are areas where everything is gone, there isn’t even a stick of wood left, it’s just dirt," she said.
Tragic Loss of Life
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed receiving reports of 10 fire-related fatalities. Among them were Anthony Mitchell, 67, an amputee, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy. Trapped by flames in Altadena as they awaited an ambulance, they could not reach safety.
In another heart-wrenching discovery, 83-year-old Rodney Nickerson was found in his bed amidst rubble and ash. His daughter Kimiko told CBS News that his remains were found intact.
Neighbor Erliene Kelley, a retired pharmacy technician described as "an angel" by those who knew her, also perished in the blaze.
Arrest Amid Chaos
As flames continued to ravage the area, police arrested a man on Thursday for allegedly attempting to ignite another fire. Authorities have not released further information about the suspect or potential motives.
Unquantified Destruction
Officials have yet to estimate the financial cost of the devastation, but Bruderlin's grim assessment underscores the overwhelming damage. Efforts to contain the fires are ongoing, but the road to recovery will be long for residents mourning loved ones and grappling with the loss of homes and livelihoods.
