A man’s emotional attempt to flee his Pacific Palisades home with precious possessions as the devastating Los Angeles wildfires rage on has resonated with viewers.
As of Saturday night, more than 150,000 people have been evacuated from fire-hit areas, with countless more impacted by strict overnight curfews, per BBC News.
In a clip shared by NBCLA, reporter Robert Kovacik approached one LA homeowner as he abandoned his property and fled to safety.
The video shows scattering sparks and smoke as the man – struggling to balance his bike and a large tote bag – prepared to leave his burning neighborhood.
“What can we do to help, sir?” Kovacik asked, noticing the man’s visible distress after his backyard had already caught fire.
However, it was the homeowner’s emotional response that resonated with the viewers – with the clip amassing more than 27.5 million views on TikTok. With a cracking voice, he replied: “You can take these paintings, I guess. I can’t ride with these.”
Kovacik described the chaotic moment as “like being in a hurricane, in the middle of a brush fire.” Despite the dire situation, the reporter promised the man he would keep the paintings safe and ensure they were returned. The homeowner then cycled away into the night.
Viewers React to Heartbreaking Scene
The video, reportedly filmed at 9:30PM and published by NBCLA on January 8, struck an emotional chord with viewers. Social media comments overflowed with sympathy.
“I’m actually crying, this is so sad,” one user wrote.
Another said: “Please bring me back to see this man reunited with his paintings as they must be special to him.”
“The emotion when he asks him to take the paintings! He was probably already grieving them. Poor guy,” added a third, with another adding: “His voice sounds like he’s in pain”.
Others praised Kovacik for offering to assist in the dire situation. “This is THE VERY FIRST reporter I’ve seen ask if they can do anything to help. Thank you,” one person wrote.
LA Faces Its Most Destructive Wildfire
Meanwhile, early estimates suggest that recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area could cost upwards of $150 billion, per AccuWeather.
Aris Papadopoulos, founder of the Resilience Action Fund, told Fortune that rebuilding could take up to a decade, based on past disasters of similar magnitude.
At least 16 people have lost their lives — 11 in the Eaton Fire and five in the Palisades Fire. Thirteen others remain missing.
Public Health Warnings Issued
As fires continue to spread, officials have issued critical health and safety warnings:
- Water Safety: Residents in and around Pacific Palisades have been advised not to drink tap water due to potential contamination from the fires. Bottled water is being distributed at Westwood Recreation Centre and Brentwood Country Club.
- Air Quality: The LA County Public Health Department has urged residents to avoid using power blowers like leaf blowers to limit exposure to ash, smoke, and particulate matter worsened by the fires and windstorm conditions.
- Ocean Waters: Authorities have also warned against swimming, surfing, or playing in ocean waters between Surfrider Beach and Dockweiler State Beach, covering a 20-mile stretch. “People entering these waters could become ill,” the department stated.
As the region grapples with the devastating fires, our thoughts go out to every person impacted by this tragedy.
