Shafaq News/ As wildfires continueto ravage Los Angeles County, dozens of residents in the affected areas havedefied evacuation orders, choosing to stay and defend their homes from both theflames and looters.
According to the Wall StreetJournal, despite evacuation orders impacting nearly88,000 people, around 80 residents in Altadena have remained in their homes,citing fears of looting and the inability to return if they leave. Many areenduring harsh conditions without electricity or clean water, determined tosafeguard their properties.
“Like the Wild West”
Aaron Lubeley, a 53-year-old lawyer, hasstayed behind to protect his neighborhood. “Wedo feel like we’re in the Wild West,” he told the outlet. Armedwith a handgun, Lubeley patrols the area and has been living out of his car fordays. “Standing guard gives me a sense of value and purpose,” he said, addingthat he couldn’t bear to leave his neighbors vulnerable.
After the initial evacuation, Lubeleyreturned to retrieve valuables such as passports and family photos. Reflectingon the aftermath, he said, “If I hadstayed and saved my house, I could have saved three of my neighbors’ [homes].”
Fires and Restrictions
The wildfires have consumed over 40,000acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and claimed at least 25 lives.Law enforcement, citing risks like unstable trees and downed power lines, hasenforced strict barriers around the affected neighborhoods, preventing thedelivery of supplies and limiting access.
Residents like Ross Gerber, a 53-year-oldwealth management executive in Pacific Palisades, have taken matters into theirown hands. Gerber managed to bypass barriers to check on his property, whichsurvived the flames but was left without electricity or clean water. Frustratedwith the restrictions, he stated, “It’s our land and our neighborhood… let usin to defend it.”
Gerber and his neighbors have takenproactive measures, such as hiring a private water truck to be on standby incase the flames return. Despite increased law enforcement presence to preventburglaries, residents have formed informal patrols, questioning unfamiliarfaces. “The whole neighborhood banded together,” Gerber said, expressing distrustin the authorities’ crisis management.
Prepared for the Worst
Some residents, like EveAnnaManley, who runs an audio equipment business in Altadena, have preparedextensively. Equipped with a generator, water filters, and concrete shingles,Manley attributes her home’s survival to these measures. “My old neighbor was aprepper, and I learned from him,” she said.
While authorities, includingLos Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, have appealed for patience, citing theongoing search for victims and safety concerns, many residents remainunconvinced. “People just want to see what’s left of their homes,” Luna explained.
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