On January 7, the Eaton Fire threatened their home, leading Altadena residents Jeffrey and Cheryll Ku to share their heart-rending escape, captured through their video doorbell.
The Kus experienced a horrific ordeal, one that countless other Los Angeles residents have faced as wildfires swept through the area. They described their harrowing experience on social media as “34 minutes of pure terror,” a phrase that resonates deeply with anyone who has witnessed the ferocity of wildfires.
“The Eaton Fire had just ignited in the hillside above us, and urgency was palpable,” Jeffrey Ku narrated in an Instagram post. Fractured moments became vivid memories as he explained, “With howling winds and no electricity, we were forced to grab whatever we could. I filmed the fire through the chaos of loading the car, never anticipating how swiftly the situation could deteriorate. By the time we left, the air was thick with smoke, making it nearly impossible to breathe, embers danced on the wind, and the sky glowed an alarming shade of orange.”
The chilling footage begins with Cheryll, her voice laced with panic as she urgently calls out to Jeffrey, “We have a very big problem.” In a heartbeat, the couple was transformed from homeowners to escape artists, hastily gathering their belongings amidst dramatic shots of the raging Eaton Fire that painted a nightmarish scene in fiery reds and oranges. Caught in that moment, Jeffrey’s pleas echo hauntingly, “Please God, please save us. Please save our house.” Going outside for what felt like the last time added weight to each word.
Fortunately, their home remained intact, a small solace amid widespread devastation. In his post, Jeffrey shared the painful awareness that others in the community were not as fortunate, lamenting, “Some lost everything,” while holistically extending his gratitude to first responders fighting the relentless blaze.
In the wake of these infernos, alarm bells rang throughout Los Angeles, where wildfires have wreaked havoc for over a week, claiming at least 24 lives, a figure that weighs heavily on a community pulled apart by tragedy.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley of the Los Angeles Fire Department alerted residents about “life-threatening and destructive” winds. She insisted that vigilance remains crucial, noting that the threat is far from over as they carefully coordinate efforts to combat any emerging fires.
For those wishing to lend a hand to wildfire victims, FOX Corporation has joined forces with the American Red Cross, advocating for donations to support relief efforts. Engaging in generosity today can ripple through a community coping with tragedy.
To contribute, visit GO.FOX/REDCROSS or scan the QR code below.
In a commitment to relief efforts, FOX Corporation has pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross, a testament to the shared responsibility that arises during crises, enabling the organization to provide those in need with safe shelter, nourishing meals, emotional support, and resources essential for recovery.
