Dale and Patricia Fielder, displaced by Southern California wildfires, find solace at the Pasadena Convention Center shelter on Jan. 9, 2025. At shelters throughout the Los Angeles area, the American Red Cross and community partners are offering comfort and care. Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross.
“It’s all gone.” Dale Fielder’s voice trembled as he shared a video he captured of the still-burning remains of his Altadena home, now reduced to ashes. For 16 years, Dale and his wife Patricia built their lives there, surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant bougainvillea and a close-knit community of friends, neighbors and local businesses.
Los Angeles’s Altadena community is a charming, diverse and tight-knit neighborhood nestled at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. Known for its tree-lined streets, lush greenery and a strong sense of local pride. For years, the area has boasted a mix of historic homes, vibrant local businesses and a community that values connection and neighborly support, making it a unique and cherished part of L.A.
When the Fielders realized they had to evacuate, their home had already lost power. In the darkness of night, with only flashlights to guide them, they scrambled to pack their most prized possessions, knowing time was running out.
Amid the devastation, the couple found safety at the Pasadena Convention Center shelter, where the American Red Cross is working alongside City partners to provide support and comfort.
“My wife says she’s glad we didn’t go to a hotel,” Dale shared, gesturing toward the array of coffee cups, pastries and a hot burrito brought to them at their sleeping cots. “We’re treated better here than we would be at a hotel — and would have spent a fortune on all these food items we’re being handed!”
The fires that continue to ravage Southern California are a stark reminder of the growing climate crisis. Intense heat, prolonged droughts and shifting weather patterns have made wildfires more frequent and devastating and serve as a reminder that every household should plan in advance for a disaster. Preparation includes creating a family disaster plan, building an emergency kit with essential supplies like food, water and first aid items, identifying potential risks in your area, practicing evacuation routes, considering the needs of special populations within your household and staying informed about weather alerts and potential disasters — essentially, making a plan, gathering supplies and practicing what to do in case of an emergency.
The Southern California fires have now taken everything from Dale and Patricia — their cherished home, Dale’s musical instruments and music recording business equipment, an invaluable art collection and, most painfully, the sense of community they shared with their neighborhood. While the road ahead is uncertain, the compassion surrounding the Fielders provides a foundation to begin rebuilding — not just their homes, but the community they hold dear.
“We are so grateful for the care we’ve received,” Patricia shared. “It’s amazing how well we’ve been taken care of here at the shelter. We’ve been extremely impressed.”
To learn more about being disaster ready, download the free Red Cross Emergency app, or visit redcross.org.
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