Wildfires are now responsible for more than a dozen deaths in California. Five fires are still burning in the southern part of the state tonight, and thousands of homes have been destroyed by the flames.For Pacific Palisades resident Kevin Kitsis, it started with a plume of smoke off in the distance Tuesday morning. “There was an orange eerie sense all around,” Kitsis said.Just a half hour later, flames forced Kitsis to leave the apartment he shared with his girlfriend, Eliana, with only minutes to spare.”It was apocalyptic,” he said.Kitsis said he left carrying only his phone, laptop, passport and clothes on his back. He also grabbed Eliana’s passport. Getting out of the city was a challenge. Kitsis describes bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway.”It was pandemonium,” Kitsis said. “Nobody knew which way to go.” The pair made it out safe, but the fire destroyed their home, and everything inside — years of accumulated valuables and memories. “We were recently at the bank, and I asked if I could have a pen there because I realized, we don’t have pens,” Kitsis said. “I know it’s something so small, but I just broke down there in the bank. We don’t have pens.”Approximately 2,000 miles away in Mequon, Kitsis’ brother Robert watched the television in terror as fire ripped through the Palisades.”I was sick to my stomach because I was helpless. I felt like there was nothing I can do to help,” Robert Kitsis said.To help replace his brother’s belongings and find him a new place to live, Robert started a GoFundMe.”He usually cares about people before he even cares about himself,” Robert said. “So this is a time that we can all care for him.”For now, Kitsis and his girlfriend are staying with family in the area. The couple said they do have renters insurance, and they are considering applying for federal aid available to disaster victims through FEMA.
Wildfires are now responsible for more than a dozen deaths in California. Five fires are still burning in the southern part of the state tonight, and thousands of homes have been destroyed by the flames.
For Pacific Palisades resident Kevin Kitsis, it started with a plume of smoke off in the distance Tuesday morning.
“There was an orange eerie sense all around,” Kitsis said.
Just a half hour later, flames forced Kitsis to leave the apartment he shared with his girlfriend, Eliana, with only minutes to spare.
“It was apocalyptic,” he said.
Kitsis said he left carrying only his phone, laptop, passport and clothes on his back. He also grabbed Eliana’s passport. Getting out of the city was a challenge. Kitsis describes bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway.
“It was pandemonium,” Kitsis said. “Nobody knew which way to go.”
The pair made it out safe, but the fire destroyed their home, and everything inside — years of accumulated valuables and memories.
“We were recently at the bank, and I asked if I could have a pen there because I realized, we don’t have pens,” Kitsis said. “I know it’s something so small, but I just broke down there in the bank. We don’t have pens.”
Approximately 2,000 miles away in Mequon, Kitsis’ brother Robert watched the television in terror as fire ripped through the Palisades.
“I was sick to my stomach because I was helpless. I felt like there was nothing I can do to help,” Robert Kitsis said.
To help replace his brother’s belongings and find him a new place to live, Robert started a GoFundMe.
“He usually cares about people before he even cares about himself,” Robert said. “So this is a time that we can all care for him.”
For now, Kitsis and his girlfriend are staying with family in the area. The couple said they do have renters insurance, and they are considering applying for federal aid available to disaster victims through FEMA.
Alice J. Roden started working for Trending Insurance News at the end of 2021. Alice grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. A writer with a vast insurance industry background Alice has help with several of the biggest insurance companies. Before joining Trending Insurance News, Alice briefly worked as a freelance journalist for several radio stations. She covers home, renters and other property insurance stories.