title-why-were-homes-near-eaton-fires-ignition-point-undamaged

**Winds whipped up an inferno — yet spared some homes**

When Michael Olson witnessed the flames at the base of an electrical tower that eventually grew into the devastating Eaton fire, he never imagined the destruction that was about to unfold. As the winds picked up on that fateful night of Jan. 7, a shower of sparks ignited the mountainside above his Pasadena home, turning the once serene vista into a mountain of flame within minutes. The fire raced towards his backyard, separated only by a dry riverbed, prompting Olson and his wife to evacuate, fearing they would never see their home again.

However, upon their return, Olson and his neighbors were shocked to find their homes miraculously untouched by the fire that ravaged neighboring areas, claiming the lives of at least 16 people. While some homes in the vicinity showed signs of the fire’s proximity with singed trees and damaged decks, dozens of properties near the suspected ignition point remained unscathed despite being surrounded by ash and rubble.

As residents grapple with the mystery of why their homes were spared while others succumbed to the flames, theories abound, ranging from divine intervention to sheer luck. Scott Brown, a firefighter stationed at Los Angeles County Fire Station 66, speculated that a combination of winds, brush clearance, and luck may have played a role in protecting these homes from the raging inferno. The unique topography of Canyon Close Road, where residents had a clear line of sight to the electrical towers where the fire originated, could have also contributed to their homes’ survival.

**The Battle Against the Flames**

To understand how the fire spread and the crucial decisions that led to the preservation of some homes, The Times delved into the accounts of fire officials, first responders, residents, and experts. Fire crews battled tirelessly against the rapidly spreading blaze, with 70-mph winds fueling the flames and sending embers flying over their heads, igniting new fires in their wake. Battalion Chief Danny Nausha of the Pasadena Fire Department described the unprecedented challenges they faced, as embers from the fire scattered into the neighborhoods despite their best efforts to contain the blaze.

**A Firefighter’s Resolve**

Amidst the chaos, individuals like Scott Brown, a 44-year-old firefighter, stood as a beacon of resilience and determination in the face of disaster. Off-duty on the night of the fire, Brown sprang into action to defend his family’s home in Kinneloa Canyon, using his years of training and experience to protect his property and those of his neighbors. His unwavering commitment to safeguarding his community exemplified the selfless dedication of first responders who put their lives on the line to protect others.

**Life in the Evacuation Zone**

As residents of Canyon Close Road grapple with the aftermath of the fire and the challenges of living in an evacuation zone guarded by armed troops and police officers, a sense of isolation and uncertainty looms over the neighborhood. Despite the semblance of normalcy with electricity and limited cellphone service, residents like BJ Thorn and her son describe a state of siege, reminiscent of the Berlin Wall era. Limited access to essential supplies and strict curfews add to their anxiety, underscoring the ongoing struggles faced by those caught in the aftermath of a devastating wildfire.

In the midst of destruction and uncertainty, stories of resilience, community spirit, and unwavering determination shine through, highlighting the human capacity to overcome adversity in the face of nature’s fury.