What They Grabbed in the L.A. Fires and Why: Tender Stories from Those Who Left Almost Everything Behind (Exclusive)

01/11/2025 12:38 PM

PEOPLE staffers and other L.A. residents open up about why they grabbed the objects they did in the moments before they fled the wildfire crisis

Amidst the chaos and mass destruction caused over the past few days as multiple fires rage in Los Angeles, countless individuals grappled with what they should bring with them as they fled their homes, many with just a few minutes, or even seconds, to make the decision — if they were lucky enough to pack at all.

"In a time of crisis, it's so funny what you learn about yourself, in terms of what to save," says Laurel Canyon evacuee Mel, who didn't want to share her last name. Her family was told to evacuate when the Runyon Canyon fire broke out on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

"Because we live in a brush fire zone and the winds were so high, we knew we should have a few go bags packed," she explains. "So we did that casually earlier — some clothes, contact lenses. But when you see flames on the ridge next to yours? It's like nothing matters. I don't give a s--- about anything of value except my people."

Mel was aware of packing "the six Ps": people and pets, papers, prescriptions, photos, personal computer and plastic (credit cards, ATM cards, etc.)

In her case, she, her husband and daughter took what was in their safe — passports, some watches and jewelry — and nothing else. "That's basically it. I took a lot less than I thought we would, because at that point nothing else matters. You just go," she says.

And while Mel was lucky to return to her home, thousands of others have lost everything they've ever owned.

Below, several Los Angeles residents reveal some of the objects they felt they couldn't leave behind, along with some of the more practical items they knew they'd need, in case of the worst.

Related: Celebrities Who Have Lost Homes or Had to Evacuate in the Los Angeles Fires, and What They've Said

Cards and letters: "I evacuated Eagle Rock on Wednesday after getting a warning for the Eaton fire," says PEOPLE Associate Platforms Producer Sloane Pecchia.

"The first thing I thought to take was a card my grandma had written me for my 9th birthday. She died in 2010 and it's one of the last things I have of hers," says Pecchia. "I got the signature on the inside tattooed on my wrist when I was a freshman in college."

"I also took the poem 'Imagine a Woman,' which was sent to me in a letter from my mom during my freshman year of college. Reading it and reminding myself that I'm strong is why I thought to take it during these incredibly trying times," adds Pecchia.

Sentimental childhood item: "I've had this snow globe of my best friend and me since her birthday party in the third grade, where everyone was gifted one in their goodie bag. That and the note that came with it," Pecchia adds.

"I also recently bought this vintage jewelry box shaped like a couch at Susan Alexandra in New York City. It has zero jewelry in it currently, but it brings me joy, so I brought it," she continues.

Car registration: "My mom told me to bring the title, registration and insurance for my car," says Pecchia. "I didn't know which was which, so I grabbed the whole envelope."

Baby toys and sonograms: "When we decided to leave our home in Santa Monica, the evacuation zone was still about a mile away, but the air quality was becoming increasingly worrisome," says Andrea Mandell, Senior Movies Editor at PEOPLE. "My immediate thought was practical: I pulled up my Thanksgiving pack list for our two-year-old son and grabbed his pajamas and clothes, a crib sheet, diapers and wipes, some toys and his milk cups."

"I started searching for his birth certificate — we'd just moved — and after sifting through a few crates found it," she continues. "As we got closer to leaving, I remembered a few irreplaceables: my grandmother's bracelet, my wedding rings. I immediately thought of my grandfather's memoir, inscribed to me and still packed in heavy boxes of books at the back of a closet we haven't gotten to sorting yet. I couldn't reach it, was running out of time and told myself our place will be okay."

Baby blankets and sports memorabilia: "My main items were an old stuffed animal named 'Him' and a childhood baby blanket," PEOPLE's West Coast Editor Bureau Chief Elizabeth Leonard says. "I also grabbed a pic of my mom and me as a baby, and a drawing my mom did of my son amidst his stuffed animals when he was a baby."

Leonard says her college-aged son also went the sentimental route.

"He picked a handful of baseball and basketball medals, his Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw signed baseball, the baseball from his first 'no-hitter' game and a baseball from his Cooperstown homerun," she details. "Fortunately, he left his trophies."

Passports and insurance cards: "First thing I thought to grab were important documents, so I grabbed my binder with my passport, tax/insurance documents, social security card, etc.," says Arleigh Davis, who lives North of the Hollywood Hills and ended up evacuating to Claremont with her family after the Runyon Canyon fire broke out.

Pet supplies: "I grabbed my dog's food and three of his favorite toys & his leash and harness," Davis says, adding, "I also packed a little carry-on with clothes for a few days, a few pairs of shoes and my most expensive purses, sunglasses and perfumes."

Photos: "I got all of my photos," Davis also tells PEOPLE. "Also, my late grandfather's memorial card from his funeral services, my late grandmother's scarf and books I've bought internationally."

Memories of a parent: PEOPLE's Night Editor Lawrence Yee was put on evacuation warning recently as the Palisades Fire inched closer to Brentwood. "I'm taking a pair of shorts and a shirt that belonged to my mom," he says. "After she died three years ago, we gave away almost all her clothes since it was just my dad and I. My brother is married, but his wife isn't my mom's size, and my niece is too young. The shorts and shirt match a vacation photo of us from the '80s."

Yee adds, "I'm also taking my Birkin bag because I worked really really hard to get it."

Wedding photos, pet medication, work supplies: PEOPLE Senior Reporter Danielle Bacher was reporting at the Westwood Recreation Center when the Runyon Canyon fire got close to her home and she got word she might have to evacuate.

"Without hesitation, I rushed out, my heart pounding, hoping my home — and my dogs — wouldn't be consumed by the flames. It was a surreal, terrifying moment, the kind of fear that seeps into every part of your being," she says. "The devastation only deepened as I listened to hours of harrowing accounts from evacuees, many of whom had already lost everything."

Bacher threw together bags filled with essential items: clothes, underwear, socks and shoes.

"I grabbed my ID, passport, birth certificate and Social Security card, along with my computer, phone, chargers, recorder, pens and notebooks — necessary tools for a journalist," she says. "I packed extra contacts, a flashlight, pet essentials, food and water for us both, plus medication for my dog, who has cancer."

Adds Bacher: "I also tucked away a few meaningful photos and a handwritten note from my husband, who is away, written on our wedding day."

Bacher has remained at home since the Runyon Canyon fire was contained.

"Fortunately, the fire was contained before it reached my neighborhood, thanks to the heroic efforts of firefighters, officers and first responders," she says. "I was one of the lucky ones. But my heart breaks for my friends, colleagues and all those across Los Angeles and beyond who are suffering immeasurably right now."

"As I write this, my bags remain packed by the door, a reminder that the fear of loss is never far away," Bacher continues.

Related: L.A. Fires Live: 11 Dead, Officials Say, as Firefighters Make Slight Progress Towards Containment

Toilet paper, non-perishable snacks: "After the devastating Maui fires of 2023, I made it a project to put together an emergency go-bag," says PEOPLE Staff Writer Jack Smart. "Did I start that project? Yes. Did I complete that project? Not until Wednesday, Jan. 8, when the Sunset fire caused panic throughout the city and I decided, if I can evacuate, I should sooner rather than later."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Smart says his cooler bag was stocked with essentials. "I put toilet paper, non-perishable snacks, and cans of beans and soup with a can opener and plastic utensils, some cash, a flashlight, a checkbook and pens, a notebook, plastic bags and a package of sanitation wipes," he details.

"Again, some of this was packed months ago, some added last minute," Smart continues, adding: "Already in the car before all this was a small duffel bag of backup clothes and an emergency medical kit. In my tote bag, I grabbed laptops and phone chargers, a book, all toiletries and essential medications, plus more snacks. In my pockets: my phone, passport, wallet and keys."

As for what he left behind, Smart says, "I should have grabbed my folder of important documents, including my birth certificate, my social security card, etc., more clothes and shoes, towels, framed photos, art and journals for sentimental value."

The L.A. wildfires began in the Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, Jan. 7. It is reportedly one of the most destructive in Los Angeles' history.

As of Friday, Jan. 10, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) reported that there were 11 fire-related deaths that it was investigating.