The devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area in January have left a trail of destruction, displacing hundreds and destroying homes and entire neighborhoods. Among the countless victims is 79-year-old Karen Bagnard, who lost her home of over 50 years in Altadena. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the stories of resilience and loss continue to emerge.
The wildfires ravaged tens of thousands of acres, with some estimates from JP Morgan projecting insured losses could climb to a staggering $50 billion. Among the hardest-hit was Pasadena Village, a community within the Village Movement that saw around 60 members displaced, with 19 homes completely lost to the flames, including Bagnard’s.
Bagnard had lived in her beloved home for more than half a century, never once evacuating despite previous fire threats. “I thought, ‘Oh, they’ll never get to my house,’” she recalled, reflecting on her long tenure in a place filled with memories. The fire spread rapidly, and although her home was near the evacuation zone, she remained hopeful until the last moment.
The situation escalated when authorities sealed off access to her neighborhood. Bagnard, who is legally blind, relied heavily on her daughter and grandson to check on her property and ensure her safety. “I had no idea there was a fire,” she admitted, underscoring the challenges faced by older adults, particularly those living alone.
Research from the National Council on Aging indicates that nearly 80% of older adults have two or more chronic conditions, which complicates their ability to evacuate during emergencies. Joyce Robertson, CEO of Foundation for Senior Services, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “You can imagine the stress for all those seniors having to evacuate.”
In addition to personal losses, assisted living facilities also faced evacuations or were damaged beyond repair. The prospect of older adults being displaced from their homes poses significant concerns, particularly in the wake of disasters. As Danielle Arigoni highlighted, “In two decades, we have not seen any improvement in the fatality rate of older adults in these kinds of disasters.”
Bagnard has been an integral part of Pasadena Village, hosting events and gatherings at her home’s beautiful patio. “I thought, ‘Okay, we’ll evacuate this time, but we’ll be back,’” she expressed, conveying her optimism for a return to normalcy. Yet as she contemplates her future, she feels a profound sense of loss intertwined with hope. “I’m going to be 80 next month, and I hope to live long enough to see it rebuilt,” she stated.
The local nonprofit organization Better Angels has stepped in to provide grant money to help Bagnard and her grandson as they navigate this difficult period. There is a recognition that this medium-term disaster phase requires continued support and outreach. Joan Casey remarked on the importance of checking in on those affected: “It’s that medium-term disaster period where we still want to check in on people.”
For Bagnard, the emotional impact of losing her home is immense. “I sure didn’t expect this at the end of my life,” she shared, revealing her vulnerability while also showcasing her resilience. Losing her physical space has forced her to confront painful realities but has also illuminated her inner strength. “Knowing that you’re going blind is like a free fall into the darkness,” she expressed. “At some point you realize that you bring the light with you, so it isn’t really dark.”
As the community begins to rebuild and recover from the aftermath of the wildfires, stories like Bagnard's serve as poignant reminders of the challenges faced by older adults in times of crisis. The intersection of age, health concerns, and emergency preparedness highlights an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to support vulnerable populations during disasters.