As the massive fires continue to rage around Los Angeles, a resident from Altadena area recounted his experience to Global News of staying back to protect his and his neighbor’s homes.
The destructive Eaton fire swept through the Pasadena vicinity, leaving behind a trail of ash, debris, and devastation.
While evacuation orders were issued, one courageous man chose to stay back to defend his home.
Equipped with only a garden hose, Felipe Carrillo risked his life in a daring attempt to protect his and his neighbor’s homes in Altadena.
After exhausting his water supply, Carrillo turned to his swimming pool and used soil to extinguish hot spots as burning embers showered from the sky.
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In preparedness for the worst, Carrillo had his truck ready for a quick escape, “I had my keys … ready to go. If worse comes to worst, I can go right or left – I had my escape route planned,” said Carrillo. A family man with two children, Carrillo didn’t spot any firefighters until the following day.
“When you’re in the heat of the moment, you don’t think about the risks,” Carrillo said, acknowledging the danger he faced. “I initially planned to wet the house and leave. But I knew if I left, there would be nothing left … I couldn’t live with the guilt of not trying.”
Both Carrillo and his wife, who is an elementary school teacher, had invested their life savings into their home where they have lived and raised their children since 2009.
The struggle faced by the community was further exacerbated by a critical issue – the lack of water. According to a report by The New York Times, power shutdowns intended to prevent further ignition of fires unintentionally incapacitated the pumps relied upon by firefighters.
“We’re not a third-world country,” Carrillo said. “This is America. And you’re telling me we don’t have water? There’s something seriously wrong here.”
The deadly toll from the Eaton wildfire in the Altadena area continues to rise as search efforts persist.
“We searched approximately 364 properties in the Altadena area, and unfortunately, located three deceased,” said Robert Luna, Los Angeles County Sheriff, during a media briefing on Sunday.
While grateful for Carrillo’s efforts, firefighters stressed the risks he undertook and urged everyone to follow evacuation orders issued by officials.
Reflecting on his actions, Carrillo admitted that his life was at risk while trying to save his home from the fire.
A curfew remains imposed and the cause of the fires is being investigated. With more wind gusts predicted, the firefight is expected to become more challenging in the coming days.
