A veteran of Afghanistan was able to save his family's home from a devastating wildfire in Los Angeles by using secrets he learned from previous wildfires in the city.
American Legion Commander Jim Cragg said he took action several years ago to prevent the destruction of his home after a wildfire came too close for his safety. NBC News. He had stocked up on common garden sprinklers and hoses in case of future fires.
When the Palisades Fire broke out and evacuation orders were issued for his area, he dusted off the supplies he had purchased. He said he installed sprinklers in his yard and propped a hose on his roof. After doing all he could, he and his family fled.
“I’m trapped in the flames that set in the sunset.” [Boulevard]. It was difficult. “It was a difficult situation, like Afghanistan,” he told NBC.
The Craggs' house is on the lowest ledge of the hill, with neighbors above and below it. After the fire was extinguished, the veterans returned to their homes to find flames creeping up the hill toward their homes, but miraculously sprinklers kept the flames at bay.
However, his neighbors were not so lucky.
“All my neighbors on the other side of the summit are now homeless,” Cragg said, his voice breaking.
Cragg returned after the water was cut off to take additional precautions against the debris in his neighborhood, as well as the house that was still standing. With the help of a Marine friend, they began drawing water from the pool to bathe his roof and side of the house, as well as other people nearby who needed it.
“I just had to do it. I just had to be there,” he said.
The Palisades Fire has destroyed more than 20,000 acres and destroyed thousands of homes and other buildings since last Tuesday. The landscape is barely recognizable as the fire continues to burn, and the blaze is only 11% contained as high winds begin to return to Los Angeles.
“[First responders] They're doing the best they can, but this is a battleground,” Cragg said.
