Being Blind & Escaping the LA Fires - My Story

[@hayleyjenkins3359]

I’m from Canada and my dad is a water bomber pilot and has been in Hollywood fighting the fires for several days, stay safe out there guys!

[@arfriedman4577]

I thank your dad for helping

[@kirani111]

Please thank him for us 😢 thank you so much

[@SaraH-xl4us]

I am also from Canada and thank your dad for his service!!

[@RoyalRadiantJade]

Really appreciate the help from Canada 🙏 Thank you so much to your dad for helping save lives and homes. I hope he stays safe while he is working 🙏

[@AllieSierdsma]

Do they get water from the ocean?

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

NBC News says two victims of the LA fires were disabled: a father and son, Anthony and Justin Mitchell. Anthony had a leg amputated and used a wheelchair. Justin had cerebral palsy and couldn’t walk. Their family was not surprised that Anthony stay with Justin. I am so angry that no one helped them evacuate.

[@oldasyouromens]

My worst fear.

[@Vera-n7l2c]

In Germany in 2021 was a big flood, they forgot (!!!!!!!!!!!) the disabled people in the lower ground of a care facility. All drowned. It's scary

[@cats1900]

@@Vera-n7l2c that is absolutely horrible!

[@AnyaOrlando-Reep]

I'm in New Zealand and I heard about this as well

[@V.E.R.O.]

Where were they, Palisades or Altadena?

[@minniegotsocks]

My grandfather was a firefighter in tornado country. He told me, "If you're lucky, the proper reaction looks like an overreaction in hindsight because you did what was needed to keep a situation from getting bad to begin with. Don't worry about looking dramatic. Worry about staying safe." Glad you're safe. ❤

[@alexshaw8167]

Or as I always say “better safe than dead!”

[@hunterduncan8824]

We’ve evacuated two major hurricanes just in case and thankfully they went around us, but even then the damage done back home was enough to put our city on standby and full blown recovery for three to five days each time. I can’t imagine a full hit, and I’ll gladly leave just in case every time no matter the circumstances and finances. I’d rather be broke than have to live through what we could drive 50-75 miles to get away from ❤️‍🩹

[@josiemheadley]

I decided to leave the LA area out of an abundance of protection because I was very anxious and would much rather have the time to pack up as much as I can in case things do go wrong and I'm glad I did my area is safe but I'm waiting until things start looking better to return

[@gemmasaurus]

Wise words. You can never be too safe.

[@mellie4174]

Exactly. Everyone waits till the last minute then dies because it's too late to get out or stuck in a gridlock.

[@user-vr9rn1it7c]

Note to self. Purchase radio. That will be the only way to get urgent information needed for evacuation.thank you all for the responses. ❤️

[@susanaking6563]

True, during Mexico's major earthquake in 1985 that was the way to get the latest news. I'll look into that.

[@Opal1001]

Good idea. That's a technology we should bring back, for sure.

[@dynogamergurl]

Specifically a battery operated or crank one. I know it seems obvious but some people forget that when there’s no electricity there’s no radio

[@surfingthedarkness]

Yeah, after i was super unprepared for a blackout of 2 hours recently in my village i purchased batteries for the radio i have and put them with (not in) it, try to always have a powerbank charged and i have to buy a big flashlight.

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

​@dynogamergurl There are emergency radios that have a light source and a charger port as well. ❤

[@CaitiCat]

You have two options: 1. Wait it out and see if you need to evacuate and try to evacuate if they call for evacuation or 2. Be “dramatic” and flee early when you could and before you knew if it would personally affect you. What you’re calling “being dramatic” is in fact, just taking the situation seriously. My heart goes out to you and everyone else affected by these horrific fires. I’m so glad you are safe! Don’t doubt yourself.

[@user-vr9rn1it7c]

I've been teased for my "tornado safety kit" . It has come in handy for storms, power outages, etc.! Have a portable kit for each pet/person - enough around to eat that doesn't need heat or water; have a way to filter water; can ya start a fire to boil said water , then know what to do about that Even with that, I'd not hesitate to be dramatic and leave at first hint of scary

[@arandomidea9010]

Also, if people that can leave early do so then there's less people trying to leave all at once. There are some people who are not able to leave until the last moment- those working in emergency rooms or living paycheck to paycheck or countless other things. "Being dramatic" and leaving early means that there are fewer people on the road when it is truly dire- and few people that need rescuing or pass away.

[@user-vr9rn1it7c]

@@arandomidea9010 absolutely agree.

[@jammies1431]

Not only being seen as dramatic, but you are also having to weigh potential danger with leaving your home empty when looters thrive in disaster situations. You also risk not being there to protect your property from the embers and decrease the amount of time you have to gather important belongings the earlier you leave. The problem is that you have no idea what will happen. You just have to leave. Material things can be recovered, you and your loved ones and your pets cannot. It's a very hard decision. CA residents are in my heart as someone that has lost everything to a fire. They're going to need all the help they can get.

[@JessicaPradoHanson]

Yea I would say calling someone dramatic for this is not respecting their boundaries which is lower level abuse that many of us have normalized as a coping method that harms everyone we impact. I hope that person realizes how wrong that was…. I have complex ptsd and called dramatic when complaining about people trying to make me their sex slave. That was when I realized how toxic this is…. We need empathy because that sounds extra terrifying from her perspective. Its terrifying for normal people to have that happen, esp if her house does get affected….. that person should feel awful and use that to evolve and never do that shit again.

[@LauraAbel]

19:20 -- Boyfriend's reaction to "never in a million years would I leave Elton" --- we like this guy. Glad all three of you are safe.

[@Swiftie4Life-b2i]

I’m so glad you, your boyfriend, and Elton are all safe and sound.

[@3xEvyx3]

Does Lavender still live with her mom? I was worried about Lavender too but remembered I think she lives with her family in Canada.

[@paulieneeckels8495]

@@3xEvyx3yes she lives with her parents in Canada 🙏🏻

[@Swiftie4Life-b2i]

@ lavender still lives with Molly‘s parents in Canada

[@3xEvyx3]

@@paulieneeckels8495 thank you!

[@3xEvyx3]

@@Swiftie4Life-b2i Thank you!

[@nergregga]

I'm deeply devasted for everyone affected by these fires, and I'm so glad you chose to evacuate sooner rather than later, Molly. I'm a wheelchair user living on the second floor, my biggest fear is my building catching on fire because I know that realisticly, I probably won't be saved. It's not that people don't want to save disabled people, but it feels like we are an afterthought, and we often don't get included in fire drills because it's "incovenient." My fear is that when push comes to shove, the people charged with keeping me safe wont know what to do.

[@jacquelinescourageousworld3848]

@nergregga Your fears are my fears when it comes to fires 🔥.

[@Hiforest]

I have mobility issues too and the advice during our work's fire evaluation was to wait in the stairwells to be rescued. Not a chance. Sorry firemen- I'm not waiting around in a burning building.

[@ferninthehouse]

the fact that elevators get turned off in the event of a fire is ALSO SCARY. i understand that for most people stairs are a safer option, but people like you don't have that option at all!

[@FenrirAldebrand]

WOW. Here in Canada it's not legal to put wheelchair users anywhere but the ground floor for low-rise buildings. High rise buildings are different, because in a fire, persons X number of floors above the top of the fire, are actually advised to shelter in place, as it's safer.

[@Hiforest]

@ferninthehouse I think elevators are not advisable because they potentially become a chimney. Smoke inhalation can kill very quickly.

[@rn2787]

I evacuated for a fire in 2020. It was coming over the ridge of the mountain closest to my house when I evacuated my family (ex-husband, kid, 3 cats). One house in my housing development burned down. I don't regret it even though our home was saved. In my opinion leave as soon as you think you need to. What people don't realize is that also the firemen and women that are fighting the fire can focus on that instead of evacuating people who can do it on their own. Don't ever apologize for taking your safety seriously. When people refuse to leave, it costs people their lives because the people who need help aren't getting it because first responders are dealing those idiots.

[@stephanieb7311]

What a good thought.

[@TheAwesomes2104]

100% if you evacuate early, that is less traffic and less personnel needed for all the people who wait for the order and have to try to get out at once.

[@gohawks3571]

Was it AZ? You don't have to answer. But we had a baptism by fire moving here! We had to move for work and health reasons. We move, the house we got ended up being a money pit, COVID happened, my dog died & when I adopted a new dog he was loving but completely nuts, then the mountain that's a mile from me caught fire😭😭😭😭 Madness, total madness! I'm still not recovered (we did not lose our house, only talking about the chaos)

[@Demion333]

We had to evacuate in 2022 when that massive heat wave hit Washington and there were giant fires in the cascades and Gifford Pinchot. We could see that fire from the street. it looked like the eye of saran.

[@rn2787]

@Demion333 I'm so glad you are okay and I wish we weren't having to constantly face this.

[@mypathunfolding]

As someone who has evacuated a natural disaster but when it wasn't mandatory, it's a hard decision to make, and you feel helpless when you are physically away from it. You feel your privilege in being able to leave, and you love where you live and don't want to see harm come to it. So many mixed emotions. I'm glad you're safe, and my thoughts are with everyone in the affected areas.

[@HanRB]

You keeping calm in a disaster like this was probably the most helpful thing, i know you were worried about being overly dramatic but by leaning into and trusting those supports you have... you did great. Love to you, your neighbours and your community.

[@pickle1200]

Not just disabled and homeless, those living paycheck to paycheck that can’t afford a hotel. But I wanted to give you a virtual hug. I became disabled after a leg infection in 2010. They saved my leg but my ankle joint is fused to the bottom of my leg. While I was still recovering from the second fusion we had an earthquake. I had an infant and a toddler and I had to grab the infant out of the crib and run for a doorway on a leg that I couldn’t walk on. I did all of it on pure adrenaline and was in huge pain afterwards. I live in N. NV and we had two terrible fires this summer, I think about what will happen if I need to run or even walk far and I can’t or having to take my wheelchair into terrain it can’t go in. ❤❤

[@marenernst1841]

Google all terrain wheel chair There is such a thing $300 (ebay) to $11,000 and many price points in between. Good luck. Be safe.

[@a-ms9760]

Good crutches and good backpacks for you all

[@Respect-All13]

I came here to say look for the man who started building alterain wheelchair for his wife. He has pretty good prices and these wheelchairs can go over any terrain, rocks, beaches, etc. you may have to Google but it will definitely save lives. 💙💙💙

[@amyrobertson8771]

As an Australian, if you arent planning on protecting your property leaving early is always the best option. The importance of a robust emergency plan, knowing your evactuation direction, what you are taking, where you are going? is just so important for keeping yourself and your pets and family safe. Im so glad that you guys left when you did.

[@nat-815]

Absolutely and everyone who lives in a fire prone area should decide before a fire even breaks out at what point they leave. I'm not sure if every state in Aus has it but in Vic we have a 'VicEmergency' app and whenever I see the alerts 'It's too late to leave, act immediately to survive' for different areas I get a lump in my throat, like it's not me in danger but it's someone just like me stuck in hell with no way out because they probably thought 'It would never happen to me, it'll be fine'.

[@duckyquack8114]

@@nat-815The message “Too late to evacuate, act now” appears more often than I expect, and it horrifies me every time too.

[@amyrobertson8771]

@@duckyquack8114 shelter in place is my nightmare if we have a fire start too close for us to leave safely. Luckily we have amazing CFS/RFS but still :(

[@Lotte-xw3ze]

But what are you advised to do at that point? 😨

[@amyrobertson8771]

@@Lotte-xw3ze if it is too late to leave and you are in a house you can turn on all the sprinklers and fill the gutters with water and then you kind of just hope...

[@chrissy.saturday]

The elderly community is highly effected in situations like this, too. Everyone always forgets about them. They get old and forgotten about

[@courtneywhitlow6974]

Molly, I am so glad you followed your instincts to leave. You are not dramatic. You are sensible. Thank you for sharing your unique perspective.

[@mindofcora]

I am so glad that you, your partner and Elton are safe. This situation is heartbreaking to watch and beyond scary. I have a chronic illness and during bad flare-ups, I can barely walk, let alone run. I cannot imagine how people might feel in a situation where you HAVE to run for your life, but you physically can't. Where you try to see where you have go to be safe, but you can't. Where your only chance might be to get updates on the radio, but you can't hear. Navigating a world that wasn't built with your needs in mind is scary and stressful enough, but this is just horrible.

[@Mary_andersen19]

Leaving before necessary in a situation like this is NEVER dramatic (ESPECIALLY if you're blind or have any other disability that hinders your ability to get around at any given time FAST and SAFELY if necessary). So glad you guys are safe. This situation is awful.

[@tanyabrown9839]

I'm Australian and we are taught to leave early. By the time they give the announcements that one MUST leave, there can be chaos and traffic issues so it's best to always leave early when there may be issues.

[@HelenaW999]

Molly, you are such a good storyteller. When we’re living in a time where it feels like something historic happens everyday, sometimes multiple times a day, it can honestly be *so* hard to keep up with and to keep feeling deeply without getting overwhelmed. I’m grateful for your perspective and your ability to communicate it so clearly and emotionally. Glad you and your close ones are safe ❤

[@escott696]

The past 5 years have been exhausting emotionally on a global scale.

[@pmc5431]

Actually, she rambles on and on. I this situation , you should lead with "I'm safe and this is were I am." Then go into the backstory.

[@purplepotato8669]

His reaction to the very idea of leaving Elton just made me so emotional. He sees her and knows what Elton means to her. I don't know why but that just was so amazing. Praying for them both and everyone involved.

[@Fates1Embrace]

This is a truly horrible situation but I am so glad that you’re all safe. The worst thing that happens when you “be dramatic” is getting on a plane & seeing your parents. What you were doing was being prepared. You made a calm collected decision in an awful situation & it was the best decision for everyone. Not only did you manage to avoid being in a gridlock but you also lessend the amount of people actually needing to be evacuated. Sending you all love from the uk & I hope that you take plenty of time away to recover from this 💕 I’m praying for everyone who was affected by this.

[@littlemissshihtzu]

So relieved to know that you are safe Molly! You've raised such important points for people to be mindful about. We all need to think about how to help folks with disabilities whenever the need arises, but especially in crisis situations like these. Praying for everyone to be safe and to recover from this horrible trauma! Our hearts are heavy up north for those down south! 💓

[@carmenattallah6244]

I don't know anyone personally affected but I know so many content creators through this platform who live in LA and I've been praying for everyone. I'm glad to hear you got out safely and didn't lose your home. I live near Phoenix and we could smell the smoke from here and it has changed the color of the sky for a few days also.

[@rachelrobinson5804]

I am thankful that you and your boys are safe and sound. I was thinking of you when we heard in the UK. My son is on the spectrum and all 3 adults in the house are disabled, and this made my son and I go through again what to do in an emergency. Hopefully, this will stop him from having any more nightmares. As a teen, I think this was his first adult-type nightmare. Our hearts go out to everyone who is living through this waking nightmare. Please keep yourselves safe! If you are not in LA use this as a reminder to go over escape routes and emergency plans.

[@afrausto95]

And I am also on the spectrum but thankfully my siblings and parents help me out

[@rachelrobinson5804]

@@afrausto95 I am happy that you have help . Having a plan and going over it or practicing helps when something like a fire or an accident happens. is important so we can be safe and as calm as we can be.

[@irhonda31]

This is devastatingly heartbreaking. I live in the San Francisco area and I keep a bag packed at all times because of the wildfires we’ve faced. It angers me that we have denied climate change for so long, and now we are in this situation. Thank you for the video, and I am happy that you are safe.

[@supergg07]

It isn’t climate change. It was people’s arson starting the fires and they were somebody from another country that did that the illegals that came over!! This is heartbreaking to hear. Let me tell you maybe I’ll change all his mind next time and get somebody else to be your governor I hope so anyways.

[@irhonda31]

@ The super winds are climate change.

[@afrausto95]

My aunt lives in San Francisco she is disabled but thankfully my cousin lives with her and helps out a lot

[@kirani111]

@@supergg07it’s climate change. Arson has been going on since humanity discovered fire, that has never changed. But wildfires keep getting worse every year that the temperatures get warmer, the rain reasons get shorter, the winds get stronger and the storms more powerful. You can’t deny it any longer. It’s in your face, accept reality.

[@ariesdork5283]

@@supergg07even if it’s not the primary cause, climate change is still an underlying contributor. It’s something that’s helping the fires along

[@ramenfarians]

Thank you for sharing your experience and advocating for disabled and vulnerable people. 💕

[@karigiles8605]

Ever since reading about the LA fires, all I could think about was "I hope molly and her co are okay!!" Been checking here everyday! Glad to see this video!!! Glad you guys are okay!!! ❤

[@portlandgirlx0x096]

Me too. Many celebrities have lost their homes to the fires. I consider Molly a celebrity. I'm am so glad that she is ok. 👸🦮

[@gdhaney136]

I used to live in Los Angeles myself for a few years. I worked in Hollywood, lived in North Hollywood and Van Nuys. I've been watching everything on the news and it's just so devastating. It looks like the earth opened up, and hellfire spit out and swallowed everything. I've never seen a fire like it. I cannot express how much my heart goes out to everyone that has lost everything. A house can be replaced, but a home is not so easy to rebuild. I'm glad you are safe, Molly.

[@calliea9064]

I think for those with disabilities, it is good to lean on the side of caution. I’m glad to hear your side of the story, being stuck in traffic, having to get out of the car ect. Would be far too much for anyone let alone someone with disabilities

[@MindfulMya]

I’m so glad you’re both safe. What you are describing is the trauma response system and trying to navigate it in a way that’s responsive versus reacting last minute and being in a life threatening position. This is such a real thing that you are highlighting. Persons with disabilities and unhoused persons, elderly, and animals are the last to receive help. I’m glad you are releasing the stress, listening to your body and taking care. Process your feelings fully and grieve it.

[@heatherkorynta691]

So sorry you and everyone in LA has had to go through this horrible situation. Praying for you and everyone affected by the fires. Very happy you are safe.

[@lizh6420]

It's scary enough being 'able bodied' in an emergency! Happy to hear you're all safe.

[@ArenofTaiger]

I lived in a part of Oregon plagued by annual summer fires from July sometimes going as far as October. I know exactly what you mean when you described the feeling of the smoke in your lungs. One of the first big fires we experienced was very near us we prepared our cars with all our family photos and irreplaceable items, but luckily never ended up needing to evacuate. It was a surreal moment, not knowing if we were being over dramatic or pragmatic. So glad that everything worked out in a miracle for your good. God is watching out for you and loves you. :)

[@sydneybird2462]

I'm so sorry Molly, I hope you and everyone else out there stays safe - "life over limb" rules come in here, life over posessions, but I know it's still more difficult than I could possibly imagine to lose your home and belongings. I keep thinking about the homeless people in LA. I saw a tiktok today of a man saying if anyone in LA has an extra mask, give it to a homeless person, because he talked to a homeless person today who was confused by all the ash in the sky and had no idea the fires were happening. It's so heartbreaking.

[@BlueMolly2024]

Sending you love, Molly and everyone impacted. ❤️❤️❤️!

[@itsjustmeandmycats]

I’m so thankful you’re here and sharing your story.

[@Dragonsfire1480]

I'm about an hour south of LA and I've been through the 2003 and 2007 fires. I'm also blind and it's terrifying. I was getting concerned about how you were doing. Glad you're safe. In 2003 my husband had to drive through flames on either side of the road to get us away. We had us, my then working guide dog and my first retired guide dog and nothing else. We were ultimately fine and we even volunteered at the shelter we stayed in. We returned home the next day and it was surreal.

[@Angela-g9p6j]

I am so glad that you and your boyfriend are safe. As a person with a disability who has survived a disaster (Hurricane Sandy) I'm now finally purchasing a kit. So much work to be done to protect those most vulnerable in disasters. All love and respect, always.

[@Crow9396]

Sandy as in Sandy Hook? I'm so sorry you went through that.

[@Dan_Sgambelluri]

@@Crow9396no. A hurricane that was mane Sandy.

[@jadewilliams1983]

I’m so sorry they you and your pup and partner had this experience. I empathise with you as I was in the 2019 Australian bushfires and I had never been so scared and felt so helpless as a blind person. I found that my Guide Dog Keira handled the entire situation than I did. We got trapped in the town my family lived in and didn’t sleep for days. I am glad you are safe now.

[@Stalemarshmallow]

I know Molly I’m an LA native and I’ve been a nervous wreck. I hope you can take care of yourself.

[@TaylormadeHarmony]

I’m glad that you and your family are safe. I immediately thought of you when I read about it on the news. Lots of love and light to all affected ❤ hugs from the Netherlands

[@vanessavanderkramer6588]

Hi Molly, I’m Australian but live now in England but my family is experienced in wildfires. It is extremely frightening when you can see what is happening but to hear it but not seeing is for sighted people unimaginable. I’m so glad that your little family is safe. Seeing how fast the fires are spreading is terrifying. Try to distress a little, I know it is easier said than done, but you are surrounded with love and safe now. Wrap yourself in that love like a soft, warm blanket. Big hug! ❤

[@LiamODonovan-l6e]

I really hope you will be alright, sweetheart molly. The world and the blind community needs you. I so proud of you. You are a very brave woman

[@aresef]

I have a relative in Los Feliz who is on oxygen and had to go to a hospital to plug in during the power outage. I have a friend who's a performer on vocal rest and she bugged out entirely and drove to Vegas. I hope you remain safe and well.

[@sdcanada91]

What does being a performer on vocal rest have to do with someone being on oxygen or having disability etc

[@bedhead-studio]

@@sdcanada91 The person is someone who is affected by the fire, but who is also not supposed to speak. The circumstances don't have to be identical to be relevant.

[@ThatWeirdo04]

@@sdcanada91 I imagine it's to do with the air quality. She can't risk damaging her vocal cords because that's her livelihood, and if she's on vocal rest it's probably because her vocal cords are not in tip top shape right now.

[@annacatriona806]

I really appreciate you sharing your perception of being in a situation like this. I think it’s so important in helping other people understand, and hopefully help others who are in similar circumstances. The LA fires alone seem terrifying, I can’t imagine what it would be like also being blind. I’m glad you are all okay, sending love 💛

[@catreader9733]

Oh my, Ms. Burke. I hadn't thought about where you lived. I am so happy that you are safe. A cousin (once removed; she is younger) of ours has lost her home, but she, her daughter, and their cats are safe and can stay with a close friend.

[@maanderson9519]

Im so glad you are safe. For everyone: please take a moment to go to the CDC website, they have a section for disaster preparedness that is free and comprehensive. Look it over. Have a plan. I was evacuated one time for a train derailment near my house that put out toxic fumes. We didn't have a plan and we vowed never again. A bug out bag is a small and smart thing to have.

[@Maddym365]

Molly, you did the right thing and I'm so glad your little nuclear family is safe. In the summer of 2023, we had wildfires surrounding our little city. My family lived 25 minutes away from us, and my cousin decided to go see what the situation was. He said it was only about 6 km away from them. So they came to our place (I was living with and taking care of my grandma at the time). after a long conversation as a family, I woke up the next morning bright and early to my mom calling me saying "I don't want you to panic, but I want you to wake up grandma, pack some things, we'll be there in an hour. We're getting out." We were not under evac order, but we had myself, my grandma and my SIL's mom visiting and we all suffer with asthma. so we decided to get out. we drove 12 hours to our family's home. That "I'm safe, but what the ***** just happened" debrief is the most surreal, scary feeling. I am absolutely devastated for you guys and I am so glad you're safe! I am praying for all of LA during this incredibly scary time.

[@annabethchase4582]

oh Molly I’m sending so much love to you and everyone in California I’m from Vegas and we have seen so many Californians spending time in our state - we are here for you all. your description of your survival state is very close to how I felt after my university experienced a shooting. It’s just horrible - the sirens are the worst. please take care and update us on how we can best support the disabled community and those who are displaced

[@Austin-it3sd]

Thank you so much for making this video, Molly. Those who are not disabled in that way oftentimes see the fires and find it heartbreaking, but forget the individuals who don’t have the support that you do. Thinking of everyone during this hard time.. my cousin who is a chief firefighter up in Seattle is down there fighting the fires in LA. Hoping that everyone can stay as safe as possible through this - humans and people alike.

[@MeKnownAsI]

My daughter is blind and in middle school. I’ve watched many of your videos and have learned so much from them. But this video gave me an understanding of what a blind person perceives and can understand based on their visual impairment. Your said, “very tearful” which is the best way to describe how I feel for the great sadness and heartbreak.

[@KirstinDisney1990]

Thank you for letting us know you are all safe. My heart is breaking for everyone in LA. It's been awful watching for the past few days. As someone (a blind someone) who is terrified of fire anyway, who had had her fair share, more than that, of for related tradgedy, I can truly empathise 💔💔💔

[@MagnoliaPantherWoman]

Thank you for sharing your experience. You're calling for community building between neighbors and able-bodied and disabled people, which is good for daily life and emergencies. We started that here some years ago by creating small local informal "check in with your neighbor" groups. I'm disabled and on long term care insurance... my case manager, insurance company, and a community resource all check in with me before and after hurricanes/tropical storms go through... Checking to make sure I have what I need. Neighbors, family, and friends check in with me to see if I need anything. It works and it makes a difference.

[@jamparker969]

I'm so glad your mom recoded that moment, and that you shared it. Your convo really opened my eyes to your reality, thank you for sharing this whole video

[@kristianbjrnjensen5388]

Dear Molly Burke: I am happy to see and hear you alive. I thought about you yesterday. I hope for you, that your house does not get affected by the fire. Hug from me.

[@RoOoT0001]

I don’t know anyone or about anyone who lives in LA (I live in Sweden) except for you. When I heard about the fires you were the first person I thought about. We’re all really, really glad that you and your family are safe Molly! 💛💛

[@caraboska]

I think it was so important for you to get out sooner rather than later, precisely because you wouldn't be able to get out of the car and run... So glad you had somewhere safe to go at short notice, and that you got out while it was still possible to do so in a reasonably orderly manner. Please know that we are praying daily for Los Angeles over here in Poland 🤗🤗🤗

[@singlemothertrucker376]

The world needs you! I'm very serious. Your experience and your explanation have been so life changing for me. I'm going to make it a point to get involved with special needs people and maybe put something in place for people with disabilities in the event of an emergency. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@StonedtotheBones13]

Thank you for this insight and spreading awareness about disadvantaged ppl in the fires and natural disasters. My heart hurts for anybody that has no car and is mobility challenged as well. I've no idea how one would evacuate if needed in that situation

[@TibiSum]

Hey thanks for this. I am disabled, though mobile and sighted. The main barrier for me is that I am estranged from my highly abusive parents. There is no safety net. I just wanted to add that because I bet you would want it included. My husband has to provide supports to me for acts of daily living, so I have him. But not on my side is there family aching to help because they are scared for me. Some of us have to figure out other means to be basically loved. People living with impairments associated with disability are over represented in groups who had inadequate or dangerous caregivers growing up. I'm glad your parents helped you. That's amazing! ❤

[@a-ms9760]

I'm really glad you got out early, I've been thinking about people with disabilities during the CA fires but also in the so many wars occurring at the moment. Every day 100s of people are becoming disabled from being victims of war.

[@OniBologna83]

So glad you got out of there early and are safe. Even if it had ended up that you didn’t need to leave or evacuate, it’s always better safe than sorry and it’s a few less people using resources (water, electricity, etc.) and that in itself helps others who can’t leave.

[@becomingkonishi]

sending strength and much love your way Molly during this insane time- stay safe !

[@Livinginbetween]

I will be praying for everyone being affected by this. I’m so glad you and your family are ok.

[@darinanikolova6987]

Molly, giving you, your family and all the involved, a big virtual hug from the UK. All I can say is after darkness comes brightness!

[@piperarcher9706]

How scary! Im so glad you got out and had a place to go. It would be so hard not only for you not to see what's around you and how untangible the horror is.... but also to your partner who tries to inform you while they are trying to process it too. I'm so glad you two work so well together with empathy. You understand he has the weight of making sighted choices... and him empathizing with not being able to see what's happening and having such limited ways of helping. We all have emergency blindspots- and having empathy and relying on strengths is how we make it out. I'm so sad for everyone out there. Hearbreaking and so hard to grapple with.

[@julv5767]

Glad you got out safe, prayers for you, your family and Californians who've been affected by this disaster!

[@kmes8989]

So glad you and your bf and Elton are ok. We all appreciate your first-person account; it helps us to comprehend the reality.

[@jemmah4723]

You 100% made the right decision Molly. Waiting until you were told to evacuate would have been too late for you with the needs you have. I really appreciated you explaining how you experience it. A sighted person has a visual frame of reference that we take for granted in informing our decisions. You are never being dramatic, please try to get that out of your head because the people who have said it don’t understand your life and the things you have to consider.

[@ItsBritt2967]

Also living in LA and being evacuated....it is scary. I'm so sorry Molly ♡♡ glad yall are safe !

[@NorseButterfly]

I have a friend who has an organization in California called Feed The Streets. I want to say there's a fb page, but I'm not positive. I know there will be a massive influx of unsheltered people who've lost what little they had as they look for someplace safe. Organizations like my friends can help and will need help. For areas outside the fire zones, if people want to help but don't have the ability to donate financially, time is also a great way to donate. There's going to be a lot of places that will need extra hands, just as much as material supplies. Molly, I'm thankful you have a safe place to be right now. I'm thankful you have a trustworthy partner to get you all to safety. Keep sharing links to all things, places, and Organizations that need help with finances, material items like food, water, clothes, diapers, and basic hygiene supplies, as well as where people can volunteer. I've lived through a wildfire. Bastrop, Texas in 2011. My dad had just undergone his first chemo treatment when the fire started. It's truly horrible to feel helpless and afraid. Just know that the city of Los Angeles is not alone! Everyone is praying in their own way and belief. ❤

[@cziegle3794]

🫶Sending love from Maryland. My heart goes out to yourself and everyone in Cali. My sister Michelle is in California with her 6 year old daughter Bella, so this hits especially hard.

[@ShelleyDuncan-j7d]

Molly you absolutely did the right thing leaving when you did. What is happening is horrific. I feel for you all. I am in Australia and can honestly say “There but for the grace of God go I”. My heart breaks seeing all of the devastation. ❤

[@Imberis]

Everyone should have an emergency kit, and especially a crank radio like you said. Internet can go out so easily and sometimes during disasters cell tower signals get disrupted/overwhelmed, so having a backup radio is super important.

[@ac_demarco]

i moved here the day the fires started, literally landed in my plane amidst the strongest winds i've ever seen. i was alone and unpacking and didn't even know about the fire until 8 hours after it started. i have a mobility disorder and already was so tired from lugging all my belongings into my apartment by myself. i evacuated "early" as well because i have severe asthma and even being inside my apartment, my eyes and throat were burning. i've been living out of my bags, unpacking and repacking at different hotels and it has felt like the world is ending. this is why it's so important to hear other people's stories. i could not imagine not being able to see anything throughout all of this, and having a home to have to even question packing up. i am so happy you were safe, prepared and trustful moving through this. thank you for sharing your story, it's so easy to get caught up in your own things and my heart is so heavy for anyone who is alone throughout this or didn't know how to prepare.

[@Redd71]

I admire you. You've obviously had a very tough time since the minute you've arrived , yet you are sympathetic to Molly. I truly hope it gets better soon.

[@Positivekitten]

I’m glad you guys are OK. I grew up in Southern California. I left many years ago and really don’t know too many people there anymore, but my heart breaks for anyone who has been dealing with this devastation.

[@Sage_Marie1387]

Molly, I can’t imagine how strange, scary and stressful that would be to be in that situation and not be able to see any of it. I’m praying for you and for everyone who lives in LA. I’m glad you’re safely away from there. Stay safe and know that you have 4 million people on this app who love you and are here for you!

[@dramapproved]

Thank you for your work Molly! I am a disabled person from Germany and can relate to this feeling that our community is not safe during any emergency. Its heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹

[@eddiehayes1523]

I lived through the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010-2011. We had maybe 30,000+ earthquakes over two years. It's so hard, especially in the immediate situation and aftermath. I could so easily have been on the bus which was driving through central Christchurch when buildings collapsed onto it. Most of its passengers and the driver died. Much love to you from me in New Zealand.

[@ColeColeslaw]

I’m sorry for the loss. I’m glad you’re safe now. I wish you the best in your recovery ❤

[@weelassbri]

I'm so sorry for everyone dealing with these devastating wildfires in LA and for you to have gone through that trauma yourself, Molly. Thank you for sharing your experience and raising awareness for the vulnerable populations that we all need to be mindful of and willing to assist in emergency situations like this. I've personally dealt with two wildfires in my hometown in the Bay Area, the Tubbs fire in 2017 and the Glass fire in 2020. I can resonate with a lot of your experience (the lack of sleep, listening all night for updates and evacuation orders, feeling restless and on edge, not knowing when to make the call to leave or which direction to go if you do). One thing I will say is that it is NEVER a bad thing to be prepared and choose to evacuate even if you haven't been given orders or a warning. I'd rather be overly cautious and safe than stay until it's too late or you're stuck in gridlock, especially if I had a disability that could make evacuating more difficult. I'm glad you made the decision you did and are safe in Vancouver, which is probably for the best because I'm sure the air quality isn't great while these fires continue to burn. One of the silver linings of a natural disaster is the resilience and unification of the communities affected by them. I'm sure LA will come back from this as strong as ever.

[@Minsungix]

I’m so sorry all that has happened in your hometown and to you. I agree that it is never a bad idea to be prepared but evacuating when you’re not told to right now was said to be a bad idea and not recommended by LA firefighters. they said that it is causing extreme amounts of heavy traffic when they don’t need to be evacuating yet. I think everyone should be on extreme alert and then when they are told to evacuate to do it immediately and not wait.

[@weelassbri]

@Minsungix That's a fair point, I hadn't considered the differences in traffic and congestion in a large metro area like LA versus the area I'm from in Sonoma County which still managed to experience heavy traffic due to evacuations. I'd argue that, at least for people who may need more time to evacuate, sooner is better than potentially needing to be rescued later. But for the general population who can easily leave at a moment's notice, I'd be more willing to follow those recommendations.

[@Minsungix]

@ I definitely agree with you that the people that need more time should leave especially if they have a large family, disabled, elderly or have many pets and what not.

[@reneeirena]

I'm so sorry you're going through this and my heart goes out to everyone in LA. As someone with a disability who can't (legally) drive and can't live without meds, it's so true that we need to do a lot of planning and exercise extra prudence in emergencies.

[@Remnants_]

I’m so glad you’re safe. I don’t know about other natural disasters, but leaving early when your area is under threat, is so important for fires. You made the right decision. It’s also so emotional, watching your area burn. Even when you’re safe. You’re not alone in what you’re feeling, even without the added difficulties of being a disabled person. I can only imagine how much harder that is. My mum is wheelchair user & her only way out is in an accessible taxi or public transport. I don’t know what we’d do if we needed to get her out. Other than we’d need to leave the second there was a fire that could come in this direction.

[@jessicadodge4049]

Just hearing about these fires is terrifying! I can't imagine how it must be actually living it... and, like you said, Molly, many of our community is at a terrible disadvantage when it comes to life -or- death situations. My thoughts are with everyone, disabled or not, who're affected by this. Stay as safe as you can and be well, y'all! -a disabled Iowan

[@christinebenoit301]

I'm so glad you're okay and your boyfriend was there to help you. I worry about natural disasters as a blind women with two young children under 4. Thinking of being in a situation like that without my husband but having my kids with me gives me more anxiety than worrying about myself so yeah just not knowing what to do. Stay safe.

[@Hulachowdown]

Omg I am so glad you posted! I was so worried! I am in the desert so if you know anyone who needs help I know so many over here are just waiting to help. I am just so glad it is hopefully calming down a bit wind wise so they have a chance to control these fires. We couldn’t see more than a couple feet here in the peak of the wind so I can only imagine how HORRIBLE the winds were on the coast where they are usually stronger.

[@janicemichaloski5292]

Molly I'm glad you and your boyfriend and Elton are safe my heart breaks for everyone affected by the fires ❤

[@anyaowen7481]

Molly I never comment but I've been following your content for years. I live in Scotland, and like you I cannot imagine the scale of devastation that LA must be facing. It truly feels and sounds like something from another world, another timeline. Thank you so much for sharing your story, for drawing much-needed attention to the difficulties of being disabled while experience disaster, and such immense trauma. My heart goes out to you and your family and dear Elton. Though I know you are resilient and strong, hard times are hard, and I'm keeping you all in my heart in this terrible time. Love and hugs from Scotland.

[@krisbee888]

I been seeing the news on TV and seeing all over TT and I was thinking how horrible and terrifying it must be. I was thinking about all the people, disabled individual, and all the pets. As someone who also has RP I can't imagine what you all went through. You all are very strong. Prayers sent to you and all in LA, prayers for all animals and prayers for all the fire fighters.. 🙏🏼💜💜

[@karenthompson1334]

Thank youse for so much for sharing your story Molly. I am in LA visiting a member of my family and I’m fairly new to dealing with my loss of vision. You really validated all the feelings I had a few days ago when we were going through should we leave? Should we not leave? I was panicked and walked around the house like you said you do. No sense of urgency around me, but I was scared hearing all of the news reports and The helicopter is above and the wind blowing was so scary. I’ve been following you for quite a while and have learned so much for you from you, and this was a very clarifying moment for me to listen to that really explain to me why I was so panicked, so thank you.

[@pnw.disabled.adventures]

I'm so glad you're all safe! Something to add to your emergency kit would be masks, and a covered basket muzzle for Elton to help with breathing in a similar situation.

[@princesspancakes3737]

Molly, I am so glad you are safe. Same for anyone who has gotten out. I'm also so so sad for the victims. Especially those that couldn't leave due to their disability. I'm almost certain this is gonna get overlooked, but I feel we should not let this issue stand. People who need help leaving should get it. I'm tired of people devaluing use for no reason.

[@lizziemallow]

So I'm an architecture student, and I remember the class we had on disability. The teacher asked "between a deaf and a blind person, who do you think will be the most impaired if something goes wrong and the alarm rings". Someone answered "The deaf person, because they wouldn't hear it" and the teacher said "no, the deaf person would see everyone rising from their chairs and understand that something went wrong. But the blind person, they wouldn't be able to hear much anymore"

[@thehermit1122]

I'm so happy to hear you're safe. I can't imagine how scary it must have been to evacuate, and how difficult it must be not knowing what the future holds for everyone. Sending hugs from the UK 💛

[@Ktya86]

I'm so glad you are safe and that your parents were able to help. Home it's supposed to be your safe space, and for so many that's gone. My mum's cousin had a house in Santa Monica and it's all gone. You did a great job keeping calm, but considering the gravity of the situation even when you second guessed yourself. Wishing you all the best. I know LA community will bounce back.

[@thesincitymama]

What amazingly perfect timing - that Christmas gift. Seemingly little things end up being so significant in a crisis. Thanks for posting this video to share your experience. Now hope you’ll take your time to recover from what you’ve been through. What a shocking event to go through. Glad you’re safe and well 💗

[@rusand23]

So happy you’re safe 💗 keeping all of Southern California in my prayers 🫶

[@meganhausman1443]

Your partner supporting you and confirming you were unnecessarily gaslighting yourself and reaffirming you that it was so appropriate. You two seem perfectly in tune with each other. I’m so glad you all are safe. Please stay safe. You are in my thoughts ❤.

[@shadowmousie72]

That’s so scary. So thankful you’re okay. Prayers for LA 😢

[@Cowboysfan40]

Molly, i am so thankful you, your partner and Elton all got out safely. Thank you for making the video. My heart goes out to everyone in LA. I pray that the fires are under control soon.