LA wildfires ‘scared life out of me’ as local man tells of terror

LA wildfires ‘scared life out of me’ as local man tells of terror

22 January 2025

A FORMER Downpatrick man has spoken of his terror at witnessing the full destructive force of the Los Angeles wildfires.

Paul Rice had to flee his home as fires whipped up by 100mph winds got to within a few hundred yards.

His hair salon business was even closer to the flames, but it too managed to escape being engulfed in the inferno which has caused unprecedented destruction, claiming at least 24 lives and damage estimated at $150 billion.

“The fire was ferocious. It was very frightening to be honest,” he said. “I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Paul (64), who emigrated to California in 1984, lives in Santa Monica, close to Pacific Palisades, which was one of the areas worst affected by the fires.

A successful hair stylist, many of his clients are A-list celebrities, some of whom have seen their multi-million-dollar homes go up in flames.

“At one stage I thought I might not have a home or a business,” he said. “The fires were about half a mile away when we decided to flee.

“Our neighbours were also evacuating their houses. We packed some essentials, such as clothes and toiletries, and drove to friends who live about two miles away. There was thick smoke everywhere and we had to wear masks.

“The destruction was terrible. Many of the houses destroyed were built in the 1950s using asbestos, which has added another level of fear.

“We were away for three days before we decided it was safe to return.

Paul said the extent of the fires has been enormous. “We are talking about a huge area similar to the size of Paris and all its suburbs,” he explained.

“I live in one of the most beautifulplaces in the world, but it is also a designated fire zone and it was a risk area even before the fires broke out.

“It hasn’t rained since last April and the ground is bone dry, especially in the hills and canyons surrounding the town.

“When the fires broke out the embers were carried by 100mph winds which made them unstoppable.

“I know many people who have lost their homes and are now living with friends or in hotels. At least a third of my clients are homeless.

“There are only a small number of houses still standing and many of those have suffered extensive smoke damage.

“The streets are covered in ash and the smell of smoke is everywhere. The clean-up is beginning, but some of the worst affected areas will not be touched until they are declared safe.”

Paul said people have been dealing with the disaster in different ways.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster. Some people were crying and completely out of control. Others very quiet and strong,” he continued

“People have different ways of processing what has happened, but it has been a terrifying experience for them all.”

He said the disaster has brought out the best and the worst in human nature.

“The community spirit is remarkable and there have been some wonderful acts of generosity. People are doing whatever they can. Restaurants are offering free meals, people without homes are being given shelter. People are helping each other and the community is coming together.

“But there is also looting and cases of landlords taking advantage of the situation by hiking up rents for people who are desperately in need of accommodation. That’s the bad side of it.”

Paul said he was confident that the Los Angeles area will recover in time, but he would never forget what happened.

“I’ve seen wildfires before, but this scared the life out of me.”