“It’s more terrifying than any film; it’s a reality,” shared Andrew Duggan, an Irishman residing in Altadena, Los Angeles. Just five hours transformed his and his partner Renata’s lives—“we lost everything,” he lamented.
Duggan has called Altadena home for several years, where he and Renata have invested in a house and a design studio. Unfortunately, wildfires have ravaged the Los Angeles area, claiming the lives of at least ten individuals and obliterating nearly 10,000 structures. With five fires persisting into their third consecutive night, the fierce desert winds only intensify the infernos.
Mr. Duggan recounted how he evacuated his home an hour after receiving a mandatory order at around 2 a.m. yesterday.
Andrew remarked, “My property is completely reduced to ashes.”
What remains of their place? “All that’s left are some shrubs, a few fruit trees, shattered walls, and the chimney,” he explained. The former design studio they built? “It’s non-existent now.”
During an interview with RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Duggan described the experience of losing his home to the wildfire as “absolutely insane.” The speed at which everything turned to dust was shocking to him. “The entire neighborhood—we had so many memories there—is just gone,” he added. The extent of the destruction is staggering, he said, “stretching all the way from the foot of the hills into downtown.”
On his return journey to what was once his home, Duggan expressed feelings of profound sorrow. He witnessed “total devastation,” a visual that no words could truly capture.
“It’s going to take a lot of time—at least a year or two—before we can even think of rebuilding our home and studio,” he remarked, hopeful yet realistic. Currently, Andrew and Renata are relying on the support of friends and family during this challenging time.
“People have generously offered their studios for us to use,” he noted. This kind of community spirit will, he believes, get them through the uncertain days ahead. “We’re absolutely moving forward. We’re alive, we’re healthy, and our dogs were safe. That’s what matters,” he concluded with a note of resilience.
Another local shared words of solidarity: “In times like these, community becomes our strongest lifeline.”
Duggan’s story isn’t an isolated incident; many are experiencing similar losses and challenges in the aftermath of these wildfires. With emergency services working tirelessly, the flames are still being fought from the air, and military support is on the ground as firefighters work around the clock. The devastation is palpable—further complicating the lives that were once thriving in what was a picturesque area.
As news outlets report updates, and further evacuations are being advised across Los Angeles, communities are pulling together. In the face of adversity, there lies a spirit of togetherness and hope for what lies ahead. “We will rebuild,” Duggan affirmed. “Though the memories are gone, we’ll create new ones.”
In the midst of chaos, stories like Duggan’s remind us of the fragility of life and the strength of community. Resilience is not just surviving; it’s about moving forward, hand in hand with those who care. “At the end of the day, we’re alive,” he reiterated, a steadfast voice among the ruins.
For continued updates on the wildfires and ways to support affected communities, people are encouraged to stay informed and lend a helping hand wherever possible. This is a time when every small gesture can make a world of difference.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
