Facing immense devastation from a recent wildfire, the community of Altadena, California, is demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. Despite the destruction of homes and businesses, residents are rallying together, finding hope in their shared experience and the unwavering support of volunteers.
Saturday, January 18, 2025 2:45AM ALTADENA , Calif. (KABC) -- Despite the burned-out cars, the emptied shelves of homes, and the businesses left in ruins, Altadena seems to be making a comeback. 'It's a great little community, you know, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else,' stated Wiley Calkins. Calkins stayed through the fire with his father and together they were able to save the family home, but not before witnessing the most terrifying moments in his life.
Despite the terror and despite several of his neighbors' homes burning to the ground, Calkins says he and his family have no intention of moving. 'The Main Street with all the old buildings and the True Value and all the old restaurants. I really hope some of those places come back.' Disaster relief volunteers have been working their way through Altadena's hardest hit areas, doling out buckets of food and necessities to those staying in the evacuation zone. One thing they're seeing is hope. 'These people have gone through a tremendous disaster,' says Mike Nelson from Calvary Disaster Relief. 'It's amazing how these things will bring the people together. People rise up and start caring for their neighbors and and caring for the city.' Bielski is another homeowner who found her home untouched while neighboring homes were destroyed. But there is no doubt in her mind that the people of Altadena will bounce back. 'These people are very strong people. It's not going to be quick because my son's house burned to the ground and he figured it'll be three to four years. Give it a few years. It'll be back.' Don't believe her? Well, the writing's on the wall. On the side of the Altadena Grocery Outlet Bargain Market there is already a mural that reads, 'Altadena Strong - We... '. But again, any kind of comeback is going to take time. Just getting the hazardous material out of the area is expected to take about half a year at least
Altadena Wildfire Rebuilding Community Disaster Relief
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