KSP x BHB: High School Student Alex Newman Reflects on L.A. Fires

In the first few weeks of January, 14 destructive wildfires affected the Los Angeles metropolitan area and San Diego County in California, United States. One of the two most significant fires within the area affected Alex Newman, a high school student in the Los Angeles area.  Alex lost her home to the Palisades fire, which burned over 23,000 acres of land, and many others lost their houses in the Eaton Canyon fire, which burned 14,100 acres across Altadena. These fires not only caused a serious tragedy in the Los Angeles community but also immense destruction throughout the city.  

Alex Newman, a 17-year-old from Los Angeles, recalled being in math class when she received a text from her parents telling her they had to evacuate their house immediately. 

Because her phone was put away during school hours, she couldn’t respond in time to tell them what items she wanted to save. Her parents packed a few changes of clothes, assuming they would return home within a couple of days. They also brought their dog, some framed family photos, a wedding album, and essential documents from the safe. Later, Alex expressed regret about losing some of her more sentimental belongings — particularly the jewelry she inherited from her grandmother and the childhood clothes her mom had kept to pass down. 

The day after the fire started, Alex woke to the news that she had lost her house. She described being overwhelmed with shock and grief, and wasn’t sure how to process her emotions. Though she hadn’t yet seen photos of the damage, hearing about the extent of the fire left her in tears. Reflecting on what she learned from the experience, she emphasized the importance of knowing what is truly irreplaceable. Clothes and everyday items can be repurchased, she said, but sentimental objects — like family heirlooms — hold a deeper value. 

When asked about rebuilding her life after the fire, she mentioned her biggest challenge was adjusting to life without having a stable home base. After staying at a family friend’s house for a week following their first evacuation, her family found a house in Hancock Park to rent out while waiting to rebuild. Moving into the rental brought out new difficulties, particularly being further from the people she grew up with. In losing her house, she also lost the community she called her home. 

Looking to the future, Alex admitted to fearing another major disaster — whether another fire or an earthquake — that would wipe out everything once again. But she finds comfort in the support of her friends. 

“I think my friends have been the most supportive, and I'm really appreciative of all of them,” Alex said. “Having their emotional support has helped me process the situation.” 

She said their emotional presence meant more to her than any material help. While the fire was a devastating loss, it also reshaped her relationships in unexpected ways. She grew closer to her parents, reconnected with old friends from her elementary school, especially after their school also burned down, and found solidarity within her community. Although it’s not something anyone would choose to bond over, Alex said the shared experience of the loss created a deeper connection between those who had gone through it together.