As wildfires raged uncontrollably in the Los Angeles area, one determined individual chose to defy evacuation orders and stand his ground to save his home.
John Carr, a 65-year-old resident of Pacific Palisades, inherited his family house—a place teeming with memories—built by his parents back in 1960. In the wake of the recent fire, which devastated much of his neighborhood, his home remains one of the very few that survived the flames.
“This house holds a lifetime of memories for me,” Carr shared. “I think I owed it to my parents to do everything I could to protect it.” His emotional ties to the home run deep; it has been a cornerstone of his life, woven into the fabric of his memories.
Equipped with not only his determination but also his organizational skills and background as a pilot, Carr made the bold decision to stay put. He took the fight to the flames, soaking his property as a safeguard against the wildfire’s advances—a personal battle fueled by nostalgia and love.
“Some things in life are just worth fighting for,” he reflected. “If I lost this house, rebuilding would be a pipe dream. Who could afford that? The property taxes around here are astronomical!”
The devastation left in the wake of the Palisades Fire is palpable, with remnants of homes and businesses reduced to mere ash.
When the inferno began creeping into his backyard, Carr jumped into action. He tirelessly traversed his property, leaping over fences, dousing spot fires from every possible angle, all while wetting himself in the process. “I couldn’t sleep for days,” he recounted. “I napped briefly once things calmed down after the flames took their toll. I even think I hurt a rib while jumping a fence.”
While tirelessly battling the blaze, he expressed frustration towards the Los Angeles Fire Department. “It baffled me,” he remarked. “When I was out here, actively hosing down my house, I didn’t see a single fire truck arrive—nothing. If they’d just sent one or two trucks to sprinkle a bit of water on the flames, many homes could have been saved.” His conviction couldn’t be more vivid—he firmly believes that with proper support, the outcome could have been drastically different.
Reflecting on the destruction, he commented, “It’s gut-wrenching. I’ve been a part of this community my whole life. I know the folks who lived in those homes. Each lost house holds years of life, laughter, and memories.” With a sigh, he added, “But this is California. It’s a natural desert landscape, and wildfires are a part of our reality.”
In the aftermath, as he surveys the scene, one can’t help but wonder whether Carr viewed his actions as courageous or reckless. “That’s a call for others to make,” he replied thoughtfully. “I did what I had to do. I followed my instincts. In my heart, I knew I was doing what I could.” His actions might split opinions, but they undeniably stemmed from a place of love and necessity.
To the people in his community, John Carr has emerged as a figure of admiration and respect. “The neighbors have been incredibly appreciative,” he noted. “The fellow down the road thanked me for helping save his house, and the one next door expressed his gratitude as well. Honestly, a simple ‘thank you’ means the world to me.”
In times of crisis, the resilience of the human spirit can shine brightly, with one person’s determination reminding us all of the value of home and community.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
