A heroic effort to protect a 1972 family legacy
In a dramatic tale of courage and determination, Chris Clinton, 49, along with two lifelong surfer friends, managed to save his mother’s home in Pacific Palisades from devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles last week.
On January 7, Clinton received an alarming call about wildfires threatening his mother’s neighborhood. Initially unconcerned, as fires are a common occurrence in the area, he quickly realized the severity of the situation when he arrived to find his 79-year-old mother, Kathy, packed and ready to evacuate.
“She was ready to go. But I said no. We need to turn all the sprinklers and hoses on,” Clinton told The New York Post.
Fighting flames with quick thinking
Drawing from memories of his late father’s fire-prevention techniques, Clinton placed sprinklers on the roof and began spraying the house with a garden hose. However, the water supply ran out within 15 minutes. Forced to evacuate amid hurricane-force winds and flying embers, Clinton sought refuge at a friend’s home, fearing his family’s house was lost.
The next morning, encouraged by his friends, Clinton returned to assess the damage. Navigating through charred neighborhoods, downed power lines, and burning telephone poles, the trio braced for the worst.
“When we arrived, the house was still standing, but there were fires raging in the backyard,” Clinton recounted. Armed with coolers filled with pool water, the three friends extinguished the flames, even crossing a fence to help a neighbor protect their property.
“So close” to losing everything
“We were so close. So close. We made it just by the skin of our teeth,” Clinton said, reflecting on the narrow escape. Despite the immediate danger, the group remained vigilant, warding off potential looters while battling the fires.
After several tense days, the water supply was restored, allowing them to continue protecting the house. Clinton’s friend also provided a Starlink device to reconnect them to the outside world, though power remained out.
A warzone-like aftermath
As the National Guard arrived to secure the area, Clinton described the surreal scene: “Most of the fires are out. Right now, I don’t see any smoke. But it’s wild to walk around; the National Guard is here. Tanks, hummers, and cops are everywhere. It looks like a warzone.”
The home, purchased by Clinton’s father in 1972 for just $90,000, holds decades of family memories. Clinton’s quick thinking and the unwavering support of his friends not only saved the house but preserved a vital piece of his family’s history.
A story of resilience
As wildfires increasingly devastate communities, Clinton’s story stands out as a testament to the power of resilience, resourcefulness, and the bonds of friendship. While much of the neighborhood suffered irreparable loss, one family home survived, thanks to the determination of three men unwilling to let history go up in flames.
