By Ritu Jha-
A wildfire that began in the upscale Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles County on Jan. 7 has killed at least 10 people and forced thousands to evacuate their homes, spreading fear and uncertainty across the region. The fire has burned over 35,999 acres and destroyed more than 10,000 structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
Among those affected are several Indian Americans, many of whom have been forced to take refuge with friends or at temporary Airbnb properties. For some, the fire ravaged what they considered their dream homes, while others expressed deep distress at leaving their residences behind. Many are now concerned about the threat of looting, as the devastation continues.
Bhajneet Singh Malik, a resident of La Cañada Flintridge, recounted the moment he was forced to evacuate at 4 a.m. on Jan. 7, just hours after being told that evacuation was optional.
“We were driving out and we saw big flames not far away. It was concerning,” Malik said.
He fled with his wife and three children, packing only essential items like passports and a holy Sikh book. Malik described the scene as chaotic, with winds reaching 70 to 100 mph knocking over trash cans and flipping over backyard chairs.
Though Malik is currently staying at a friend’s house, he voiced concern about potential looting in the aftermath of the fire.
“We’ve heard 30 homes were looted,” he said. “There are people exploiting the situation, and it’s not right.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the arrest of 20 individuals on charges of looting in the fire-stricken areas, and warned that the number could rise.
Other residents have faced similar challenges. Gaurav Kumar, who lives in Simi Valley near Malibu, said he and his family have been without power, gas, or internet for more than 36 hours.
“It’s so scary if you see the images on television,” he said. Kumar, also president of TiE SoCal, expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding when power would be restored, with officials indicating it could take up to two weeks.
Dr. Sanjiv Jain, a physician and property owner in Malibu, shared his disbelief at the scale of the destruction.
“I have never seen such destruction,” Jain said, noting that while one of his properties was spared, many of his friends had lost their homes. He also raised concerns about rising construction costs and insurance premiums in the area.
Meanwhile, Gunjan Bagla, an entrepreneur whose former home in Malibu was destroyed by the fire, recounted the widespread damage in his neighborhood.
“60 of the 84 mansions in Sea View Estates have burned down,” he said, adding that much of the area had been rendered uninhabitable due to the fire’s extensive reach.
In addition to the personal toll, local businesses are also suffering. The manager of Copper Pot Indian Grill in Redondo Beach reported a 75% decline in business as customers have stayed away. Similarly, Padmini Aniyan, the owner of Mayura Indian Restaurant in Culver City, is offering free meals to those impacted by the fire, though she clarified that the offer is limited to those directly affected.
As residents continue to assess the damage and seek shelter, the long-term impact of the fire on the community, businesses, and infrastructure remains uncertain.
