California wildfire survivor shares story of narrowly saving his own house from Eaton Fire: 'A miracle'
Share and Follow

A survivor of the devastating Eaton Fire that devastated the Altadena area of Los Angeles County recently spoke up about his experience fighting the inferno.

Justin Christie, a resident of Altadena, spoke with Fox News Digital on Saturday afternoon about his experience. As of Saturday evening, the Eaton Fire, which began on Tuesday, is only 15% contained.

Christie explained that his family has lived in the area since 1967, and had never seen anything as destructive as the Eaton Fire before.

“[I’ve seen] tons of fires on this hillside,” Christie recalled. “When I saw this, when I came out in the street and I saw the flames up on the hillside, something just told me this was different.”

But Christie said that that sense of relief was short-lived before another neighbor of his suffered a fire in their garage. Though Christie’s house was unscathed from that fire, the resident described the whole situation as “just shocking.”

“It’s heartbreaking. It’s just enough to make you want to cry,” Christie said. “So many people just lost everything.”

“And I never, ever thought….we’ve been here for so long…I always thought we were just far enough out of the fire’s reach.”

When thinking back to the experience, Christie described the sounds and sights of the wildfires as “incredible.”

Aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires

The auditorium at Elliott Junior High is barely recognizable after being ravaged by wildfire in Altadena, Calif., on Friday.  (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

“The breaking glass, the explosions from gas lines, people’s propane tanks, cars catching on fire,” he vividly described. “It just sounded like several freight trains coming at you.”

Overall, Christie said that his house’s survival from the Eaton Fire was nothing short of a miracle.

“It was some miracle that I got a hold of the fire…the wind died down at one opportune time,” he said. “And if it hadn’t….it would have caught this trellis I have next to me, it would have caught my house on fire and I would have been done. And there were several times when I wanted to leave, but I didn’t. I stayed.

“If I had left, the house would be gone. Totally gone.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Far beyond Harvard, conservative efforts to reshape higher education are gaining steam

Conservative Initiatives to Transform Higher Education Gaining Momentum Beyond Harvard

Ken Beckley never went to Harvard, but he has been wearing a…
2-year-old girl abducted from apartment during Chicago home invasion

Toddler Kidnapped from Chicago Apartment During Home Invasion

CHICAGO â€” Chicago police have launched a search after a toddler was allegedly…
Kenneth Williams charged in Chicago shooting that injured 8-year-old girl on South State Street in Bronzeville: CPD

Kenneth Williams Arrested for Chicago Shooting That Wounded 8-Year-Old Girl in Bronzeville, According to CPD

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 23-year-old Chicago man has been charged in a…
Far beyond Harvard, conservative efforts to reshape higher education are gaining steam

Conservative Movement to Revamp Higher Education Extends Beyond Harvard

Ken Beckley never went to Harvard, but he has been wearing a…
Meryl Streep seen as Miranda Priestly for the first time on the set of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'

Meryl Streep spotted as Miranda Priestly for the first time on the set of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

The devil is back. Meryl Streep was spotted on set of “The…
'Billie Jean': World premiere of play about tennis icon Billie Jean King showing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater until August 10

“New Play ‘Billie Jean’ Celebrates Tennis Legend Billie Jean King at Chicago Shakespeare Theater – Don’t Miss It Before August 10!”

CHICAGO (WLS) — The world premiere of the powerful play “Billie Jean”…
Alaska hiker mauled by bear rescued with help of advanced drone technology on remote trail

Alaska hiker mauled by bear rescued with help of advanced drone technology on remote trail

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A hiker in Alaska…
UN court rules wealthy nations pay up for climate change damages in controversial global ruling

UN court rules wealthy nations pay up for climate change damages in controversial global ruling

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The United Nations’ highest…