Living in California since 1986, I’ve experienced my share of natural extremes: the teeth-rattling Northridge earthquake of 1994, which claimed 57 lives; temperatures surpassing 120 degrees in Death Valley; the frigid minus-38 degrees during the start of the 2017 Iditarod in Fairbanks, Alaska; the devastating tornado that struck Fort Dodge in 1977; and the fiery eruptions of Kilauea, including the 2018 disaster that displaced thousands on the Big Island.

These events have shown me the power and unpredictability of Mother Nature across the globe. But nothing compares to the devastation wrought by the 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County.

The fierce winds that descended on L.A. County on Jan. 7 marked the beginning of a wildfire disaster that will likely be remembered not only for its staggering financial toll, but also, the tragic and still-undetermined loss of life.

The unpredictability of those winds became personal on Friday, Jan. 10, when smoke from the Palisades Fire began blotting out the sun. Living in Sherman Oaks, equidistant between the Eaton and Palisades fires, I suddenly found myself just three miles from an Evacuation Warning Zone. Flames raced toward the San Fernando Valley, with Evacuation Orders issued west of the 405 Freeway.

-Submitted photo by Jay Christensen
In a scene far too commonplace, a charred car sits among the smoldering remains in Altadena, California, on Jan. 8, 2025. The Eaton Fire, which started on Jan. 7, left a trail of destruction, forcing thousands to flee as flames engulfed homes and vehicles in its path.

The line of fire approached within five miles of my neighborhood. Embers — capable of traveling great distances — threatened to ignite spot fires. Thankfully, a heroic aerial assault from water-dropping helicopters sourced from the nearby Encino Reservoir stopped the flames from spreading further.

This relief was bittersweet, as earlier in the week the ferocious Santa Ana winds had grounded all fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, leaving firefighters overwhelmed and vulnerable — eerily reminiscent of the 2018 Camp Fire and the 2023 Lahaina blaze.

In Altadena, my former Los Angeles Times colleague — a high-profile sports columnist — faced unimaginable loss. While his house still stands, smoke damage will likely render it a total loss. Another friend, a physical therapist, narrowly escaped disaster. On the evening of Jan. 7, she smelled smoke while starting a propane grill to cook dinner after the loss of power to her house. Turning around, she saw flames fast approaching. She fled with her mother to a hotel.

Returning the next morning, she discovered her home intact but remains displaced, bouncing between Airbnbs while awaiting clearance to return. Each day, she checks with the National Guard, stationed at roadblocks, to ensure no flare-ups threaten her neighborhood.

At the peak of the disaster, 170,000 people were displaced. While that number has since dropped to 100,000, the displacement’s impact is far-reaching. My neighbors sought refuge in San Francisco, while others fled to Phoenix, San Diego, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara or even Las Vegas. With accommodations in north L.A. County scarce, many faced long and costly relocations. Businesses shuttered, streets were eerily empty, and L.A.’s famously congested freeways were devoid of cars.

-Submitted photo by Jay Christensen
A thick layer of smoke from the Eaton Fire blankets the sky above the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 8. The wildfire, fueled by fierce winds, cast an eerie haze over the San Gabriel Mountains as it continued its destructive path through nearby communities.

The air, though improving, remains laden with particulates, forcing residents to wear masks — a haunting reminder of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Jan. 8, I ventured into Altadena to document the aftermath. There, I met a woman standing in shock as homes in her neighborhood burned. She told me her neighbor’s home was lost at 1 a.m. Her own house had been spared, thanks in part to a sprinkler running on her roof to counter flying embers. Her composure in the face of such devastation was remarkable, but her haunted eyes revealed the emotional toll.

The sheer scale of these fires is staggering. It’s hard to grasp the scope of destruction, let alone the long road to recovery. While we in Sherman Oaks faced a relatively minor inconvenience — three days without power — others lost everything: their homes, their memories, and, tragically, some lost their loved ones. Mother Nature’s power was absolute, and for those first few days, the fires dictated the course of events.

L.A. is no stranger to wildfires, but this time felt different. The relentless winds, unforgiving flames and widespread displacement left an indelible mark on our community. These fires underscore the fragility of our existence in the face of nature’s fury.

As I reflect on this disaster, I am reminded of the resilience of those affected and the bravery of the firefighters who risked their lives to protect others.

-Submitted photo by Jay Christensen
A firefighter battles lingering flames inside a fire-damaged home in Altadena, California, on Jan. 8. Crews worked tirelessly to contain the destruction left in the wake of the Eaton Fire.

For Fort Dodge residents, wildfires might seem a distant threat. But disasters like this remind us all of the unpredictable forces of nature and the importance of preparation, resilience and community.

As we begin to rebuild and heal, let us not forget those who bore the brunt of this tragedy, and may we find ways to support and stand with them in the days ahead.

-Submitted photo by Jay Christensen
A homeowner in Altadena, California, attempts to extinguish lingering embers with a garden hose on Jan. 8, after the Eaton Fire reduced his neighbor’s house to ruins.

-Submitted photo by Jay Christensen
A resident surveys the charred remains of a home in Altadena, California, on Jan. 8, after the Eaton Fire’s destructive path.

-Submitted photo by Jay Christensen
Smoke and flames continue to rise from the rubble in Altadena, California on Jan. 8,, as law enforcement officers patrol the area. The Eaton Fire left entire neighborhoods in ruins, forcing residents to flee and authorities to secure what remained of the devastated community.

-Submitted photo by Jay Christensen
A firefighting helicopter flies through thick smoke over Encino, California, on Jan.10, as the Palisades Fire makes a dangerous push toward the San Fernando Valley. Fierce winds fueled the flames, forcing evacuations and straining firefighting efforts.