sThe morning of January 7th at UCLA began with a notable shift in the weather. From days of warmth and dryness emerged gusts of wind that may at first have seemed pleasant, until the first sights of smoke appeared.
What would become known as the Palisades Fire was first reported around 10 AM near the Skull Rock Trailhead, about six miles from UCLA. Shortly after the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire emerged in Altadena. These two rampant infernos from different sides of Los Angeles County burned over 37,000 acres in total and killed almost 30 people. According to the Los Angeles Times, officials estimate that around 16,000 buildings were destroyed, including at least 11,000 homes.
“Unfortunately we did not get any evacuation orders and the only way we knew what was happening was through the news,” Altadena resident Farzana Asad describes. Asad, her husband, and their three young daughters had evacuated their home in Altadena after witnessing the Eaton Fire approaching dangerously close, taking this precaution without receiving any city orders. The family had only taken their passports and property documents with them.
The next day, she and her husband drove to see the status of their home. “As we were driving, we saw houses completely gone or up in flames with no fire responders in sight,” Asad says. “We had a feeling right away and when we saw our neighborhood completely burned, I became hysterical.”
Losing a home, business, or school is a devastating experience for anyone. Propelled by the turbulent winds and accompanied by other smaller-scale fires that sprouted within the week of January 7th, the LA fires created substantial losses and obstacles for many people.
Many Muslim communities and families, including Asad, have been severely impacted by the fires. Masjid Al-Taqwa in Altadena was burned down, yet its board members have remained highly active in providing aid to those affected.
“The board members of Masjid Al-Taqwa have been facilitating the distribution of Sadaqah and making sure that those impacted get the resources they need,” Asad says. “But I don’t see any other Masjid in LA collaborating with them or stepping up to help our communities, including Masjids such as the Islamic Center of Southern California, King Fahad Masjid, or the Islamic Centers of Glendale or Burbank.” Asad expresses her disappointment in the lack of aid and support from other Masjids in LA towards the Muslim communities that have been impacted by the fires.
“How much can Masjid Al-Taqwa do themselves?” Asad questions. “Where are the rest of the Masjids when their own Muslim community in Altadena is suffering?”
Despite experiencing some price gouging, Asad and her family have been lucky in finding a place to stay while the city undergoes the next phases of their house rebuilding. However, she expresses her concerns for those who are not as fortunate. “They have lost what I have, but they do not have what I have. I have a job and insurance, Alhamdulillah, but the rest of the communities need all the help.”
As leaders of Muslim communities, it is critical to come together and provide resources and aid to the countless victims of the fires. However, it is also crucial for community members to support the greater multitude of people who have been affected, regardless of faith.
“For all those impacted, be strong and have faith,” Asad says. “You are a survivor of this traumatic experience, and you will get through it. Have confidence that we will rebuild as we have rebuilt in the past.”