The recent Los Angeles wildfires have left a trail of devastation, forcing residents to evacuate their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. Among the evacuees was journalist and author Katherine Turman, who shared her harrowing experience with PEOPLE. This first-person account details the tense moments leading up to her evacuation from Pasadena, the frantic scramble for essential belongings, and the surreal scenes she witnessed upon returning to her neighborhood days later. Turman’s story offers a poignant glimpse into the chaos and uncertainty faced by those caught in the path of the wildfires.
A Return to California, Followed by Disaster
Having relocated from Brooklyn, New York, to Pasadena in May 2024, Turman was no stranger to the Pacific Palisades. Her childhood was spent in nearby Brentwood, where she attended Paul Revere Middle School. As a teenager, she spent countless hours riding horses at Will Rogers State Park in the Palisades, exploring Topanga Canyon, and frequenting the Bay Theater. The area held deep personal significance, filled with cherished memories of friendships and youthful adventures.
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Katherine Turman on horseback at Will Rogers State Park in the late 70s.
The initial reports of the Palisades fire on January 7, 2025, filled Turman with horror. While the strong winds in Pasadena were a cause for concern, the fire seemed distant, blowing towards the beach. A late-night phone call from her landlady, Claire, shattered this sense of security. Claire’s panicked voice urged Turman to evacuate, as a fire was rapidly approaching their neighborhood. Stepping outside, Turman could smell the smoke and see the flames in the distance. A sense of urgency gripped her.
A Frantic Evacuation Under a Smoke-Filled Sky
Turman’s evacuation was a chaotic scramble for essentials. She grabbed clothes, medication, her laptop, irreplaceable family photos, and her cat, Matt Dillon. Helping Claire’s elderly parents evacuate from their retirement home added to the stress and urgency of the situation. Returning to her home for family heirlooms, Turman encountered downed power lines and fallen trees, navigating through pitch-black streets illuminated only by her phone’s flashlight. The evacuation alert blared on her phone as she drove away, embers falling from the sky. The term “firestorm” took on a terrifyingly real meaning.
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A selfie taken by Katherine Turman amidst the chaos in Pasadena/Altadena on January 9, 2025.
Witnessing the Aftermath: A Community in Shock
Finding refuge at her estranged husband’s house in West L.A., Turman relied on social media and text chains for updates. News of friends and acquaintances losing their homes, along with the destruction of beloved local businesses, was devastating. The iconic Will Rogers house, a place where Turman spent her formative years, had burned to the ground, adding another layer of personal loss to the widespread tragedy. Returning to her neighborhood days later, Turman found her home miraculously spared, but the surrounding area bore the scars of the fire. Soot and ash covered everything, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke. Downed trees and power lines were a stark reminder of the fire’s destructive power.
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Katherine Turman (right) with her mother at Will Rogers State Park in the late 1970s.
From Survivor’s Guilt to Community Action
Just a short distance from her home, Turman encountered the charred remains of a medical office and a rest home. The sight of patients being evacuated in wheelchairs and on gurneys the previous night was still fresh in her mind. The devastation was widespread and indiscriminate. While grateful for her safety, Turman and her friends grappled with survivor’s guilt. The shared experience of the wildfires fostered a sense of community, a determination to channel empathy into action. The road to recovery would be long and arduous, but the spirit of resilience and the commitment to helping rebuild would be crucial in the months and years to come.
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The scene in Altadena following the devastating Palisades Fire.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Los Angeles Wildfires
What caused the Los Angeles wildfires? The exact causes of the fires are still under investigation, but dry conditions, strong winds, and high temperatures contributed to their rapid spread.
How can I help those affected by the wildfires? Numerous organizations are providing assistance to fire victims. Donating to reputable charities, volunteering time, or offering support to displaced individuals are all ways to help.
What safety measures should I take during a wildfire? Heed evacuation orders immediately, create a defensible space around your home, and have an emergency plan in place. Stay informed about fire conditions through official channels.
Are the Los Angeles wildfires a result of climate change? While no single event can be definitively attributed to climate change, scientists agree that rising temperatures and prolonged droughts increase the risk of wildfires.
What resources are available for wildfire recovery? Local, state, and federal agencies offer various resources for individuals and communities affected by wildfires, including financial assistance, housing support, and mental health services. Contact your local authorities for more information.
