An elderly resident of Pacific Palisades, who has lived in the area for over half a century, shares her harrowing experience during a recent wildfire that forced her to evacuate. Sarah Purkart, an 83-year-old retired airline worker, recounts how her neighbor Carla’s timely assistance was crucial in helping her leave her home safely as flames rapidly approached. The fire, which spread unusually quickly due to strong winds, left many residents, including Purkart, with little time to gather their belongings. Despite losing her home of 50 years, Purkart remains grateful for the support she received from both neighbors and friends.

The day of the evacuation began with ominous signs. As Sarah noticed the fire advancing towards her neighborhood, alerts started pouring in through her phone, urging immediate action. Living alone, Sarah was especially thankful when Carla came by to check on her. “She helped me start preparing,” Sarah explains. “The fire moved much faster than expected, and we had to act quickly.” Carla’s selfless act of returning after checking on her own family made all the difference in ensuring Sarah’s safety.

Sarah managed to escape with only a few cherished items—photos of her ancestors and son—but no money or identification. The intensity of the blaze caught everyone off guard. “This fire crossed south of Sunset Boulevard, something I’ve never seen before,” Sarah recalls. Her street, El Medio Avenue, usually remained unaffected by such events, but this time it was not spared. The wind conditions were particularly severe, making the situation even more dangerous.

After spending the night at a friend’s place, Sarah learned the heartbreaking news that her home had been destroyed. Though initially unsurprised given the fire’s ferocity, Sarah is now focusing on her next steps. With insurance coverage and a realistic outlook, she doubts she will return to rebuild in the same location. The high cost of land in Pacific Palisades, combined with her desire for a simpler lifestyle, has led her to consider relocating. “I might move down the coast to Vista,” she says, reflecting on her future plans.

In the aftermath, Sarah has been in touch with her son, who lives in Oregon, as he helps arrange new identification for her. While the emotional impact of losing her home is significant, Sarah remains pragmatic. “I think it wasn’t necessarily the fire, but the wind that made this so unusual,” she reflects. Despite the challenges ahead, Sarah’s resilience and gratitude for the community’s support shine through.