LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Wildfires continue to destroy thousands of homes and businesses throughout Los Angeles County.
Thousands of firefighters including some from out of state are battling the flames in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, and Sylmar.
Five people have been confirmed dead in the Eaton fire impacting Altadena and Pasadena.
Many are still trying to get to safety.
“We had to evacuate,” said Tony Espinoza. “We left in a hurry. We only had a few hours to pack. My neighbors were still in their houses.”
Espinoza and 13 other family members fled from Pasadena on Wednesday morning.
They rushed to Las Vegas to stay with relatives until there was some relief from the fires.
“We couldn’t breathe anymore,” said Espinoza. “We had all the filters going in the house, the HEPA filters and nothing seemed to work.”
Espinoza and his brother-in-law Crespin Gonzalez say the fires would subside overnight.
But by the morning, the destruction was unimaginable.
“We packed our bags only for about three days. Because we all have jobs to go to. We have rent to pay. Bills are still due,” said Espinoza.
Gonzalez said they only had time to bring essentials, like important paperwork.
While they’re escaping and hoping their homes will be safe, another family from Las Vegas is rushing toward the fires to help their loved ones in Pasadena.
“Just to know that my son and my daughter-in-law are out there- yeah. I’m worried for them,” said Veronica Moreno.
“They are on evacuation waiting,” said Veronica’s daughter Christina. “Just they haven’t told them specifically when. But they’re already packed and everything.”
They say the couple in Pasadena, who have a small baby, can only leave on foot right now.
“They are trapped in their house because of the trees that have fallen on their street,” said Christina. “So, they pretty much can’t go anywhere unless they’re walking.”
The hope for everyone is that people continue to lean on one another for help as thousands continue to be in the path of danger.
“We have somewhere to go. We have the resources. We could get out of it,” said Espinoza. “But there are still people in their homes.”
“We’re praying for you guys to be safe and get to the nearest shelter as fast as you can,” said Moreno.
