He didn’t lose his house, but he lost his home in the fires

[@joshabrams27]

Bill is a damn good human. A lot of us Angelinos have grown up reading his incredible words and I hope he and his neighbors come back stronger than ever.

[@jenniferw5087]

He articulated his emotions and feeling so well it makes it possible to understand how he feels. So well said.

[@floyd2222]

He is a writer for the LA Times.

[@CatBrash]

"It's here but there is no more here" so heartbreakingly poetic

[@anniehills3580]

Hi Bill, sorry for your loss! We went thru similar in the Marshall fire in Colorado. Our home was not damaged, but down our street, dozens of homes burned!! While we still feel incredibly grateful, the memories are painful. Many have built new homes, but some lots remain. Be ready for symptoms of PTSD in yourself and your neighbors. Best of luck, Bill. God Bless You!

[@LeaBurns-lx2wf]

❤😊💖 * God bless 🙏 you 💕 o

[@alexannrowland340]

You got this! You're going to help everyone be strong enough to rebuild!!! 🙏

[@francescaa8331]

Bless his compassionate heart.

[@fififirestone3787]

Sending love to this very thoughtful man.

[@debbiekennedy6030]

I'm glad your home is still there. Home is key. Your gratitude is inspirational. Please, take that and move forward. Help the cause.

[@webstercat]

His home stands but no power, no water, no neighbors, living in a war zone….

[@susanstancliff2937]

It’s hard to find words to say how we feel but this man said it very well. Bitter sweet. So many prayers from so many people to help, guide and comfort you all.

[@kimberlyanne434]

Don’t have any guilt, your home was spared for some reason. Use your energy and compassion wisely to reach out to others and help. I believe you have a very kind heart.

[@georgewashington3555]

Its incredible your house is ok. Yet your neighbors will come around . Try to be of service and help out. // So much to clean up.. i had this idea they could have a mobile home on their property so they do not have to rent , but in the same time so much has to be cleaned up. So not sure what is possible.

[@elsinina]

I love this man, he's a great person

[@mattsohn1402]

Love you, Bill. Been reading you since I was a kid in the Palisades, I'm now 41 and live out of state. I'm sure I speak for all of your longtime fans when I say we mourn alongside of you.

[@carlystone5994]

My father in law worked at LA Times. Maybe Bill knows him. What's Bill's name with LA Times?

[@dawnzimmerman6818]

@@carlystone5994- his name is Bill Plasche and he is a longtime sports columnist. I found this info in the written description area underneath the Title.

[@samsonian9468]

@@carlystone5994 Bill Plaschke

[@marcusmuse4787]

Thank God that your home is still standing. I feel so bad for everyone.

[@vansmack4972]

With this climate change going on, unfortunately more fires in California are on there way.

[@Johnfisher12345]

Are you thanking the same god that burned down 12,000+ others?? Some god, huh?

[@angelakeely5859]

​@@Johnfisher12345When people mock God and disrespect him and live bad lives, things happen, not always nice😏

[@davidcattin7006]

God! LOL!

[@mamagore3031]

Amen! God did it. THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US, AND WE ARE GLAD. PSALM 126:3 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to HELP in time of NEED. Hebrews 4:16 PRAYING. May everyone realize we need to turn back to the true and living God, Jesus!

[@alexperkins8433]

My home is still there - i've had my home in Altadena for over 43 years. Dont feel guilty Mr. B.....just heartbroken for all those we know and care about.....difficult for pple to understand how close knit a community Altadena is.....what an unspeakably horrific heartbreaking ..... mind numbing turn of events.

[@cooper-lunayen1944]

As long as there is no loss of life, you can always rebuild, I think we all have a lot of spare clothing, utensils household accessories that are lying around , share them around. This is the best time to bond!!!

[@johnjflynn006]

"I'm thankful and blessed that the house is here...but there is no more here." WOW. Glad you're safe, Bill. Hang in there. Spring will come again.

[@cinebox1646]

But not the people

[@sarahrose4126]

This was an incredibly thoughtful video on the destruction. 😔 Thank you to whoever put this together.

[@lavb5474]

Don’t feel guilty. Please don’t. Your job now is to be the gathering place for your neighbors. Your job is to learn. Was there anything you did that saved your home? Landscaping clearing brush. Your job is to find out and share that knowledge. To those who lost their homes they need you. They love you. You are important and are one of many points where there’s a beginning. ❤

[@barbarabreunis7788]

This is so true. A house is a home because of everyone inside AND outside in the neighbourhood. Without that, it's just a house.

[@thisorthat7626]

So true. Especially in neighborhoods like Altadena where multiple generations of families have grown up in the same house. Thank you for your thoughtful words. Blessings.

[@fallenskybird]

He may as well have plunked his house down in the middle of the Mojave.

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

Hey Bill! I live near Adams and Arlington! And my house didn't burn down either!

[@mamagore3031]

Thank God! THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US, AND WE ARE GLAD. PSALM 126:3 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to HELP in time of NEED. Hebrews 4:16

[@stickynorth]

Possessions are fleeting. We matter. Things can be replaced. Your heart is in the right place. Keep dedicating yourself to your profession. Lord knows the world still needs as many truthful and hardworking journalists as it can get these days...

[@Actress_Monica_Biel]

Wow, it’s amazing to hear how the community comes together during such tough times! Bill's reflections really capture the whirlwind of emotions we all feel in moments like these. It’s a wild ride between joy and guilt, isn’t it? Hope everyone is finding their way through!

[@josh021588]

Communities should come together all the time Not just in tragedies wtf?

[@thisorthat7626]

@@josh021588 We do, which is why the loss is felt so deeply here.

[@peggysmyth6110]

A family member discovered her home in Altadena survived. In her neighborhood her home was one of six that did not burn. My heart is heavy with sadness.

[@warmcozy]

His neighbor’s brick chimney was still standing. Brick doesn’t do well in earthquakes, but it does splendidly in fires.

[@mikeodonnell9321]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Bill.

[@Rozalina-yz2xv]

Heartwrenching! 🙏🏻😢

[@melissaha]

Blessings to you and for your emotions.

[@shsu-888]

Happy your house is standing. You are blessed Bill ❤

[@lisasmith9311]

Praying for you and everyone in the path

[@ah3738]

Gosh i feel deeply for every single person. Please find the strength to keep strong ❤ sending love

[@woody5551]

Altadena was a special community.

[@lindakuhl3674]

Bless you’re heart, Sir. ❤

[@afterforever2765]

Thank you for sharing this Bill.

[@sopad4629]

God Bless you and us.

[@seasonschange4337]

Take this blessing and use it for the good of others. This is such a traumatic event. May you find the answer why you were spared and use it for good. God bless you 🙏

[@carlosbalbi2230]

Un abrazo desde Uruguay. Señor que Dios lo bendiga por sus buenos sentimientos. Son un Gran Pais. Todo se levantara y de apoco sera un triste recuerdo del pasado. Abrazo desde Uruguay. Carlos Balbi.❤❤❤

[@janiegolden5338]

It's a miracle! You are so blessed... 🙏

[@lilli-beth]

Reading these comments tells me why this man's house was spared. God is real!

[@agl5132]

The toxicity for even those who still have their homes. All that toxic ash. There was a news piece on the couple who built a fire proof home and it's fine. That man will have many wanting to build as they did for the future. Bless this man in the future ahead.

[@RossellaPerry]

He's a good man , he thinks of others and cares .

[@bossbabies347]

“…. and i Thank God For That…” 🙌🏽🙏🏽❤

[@ivang97997]

Don't feel guilt; God spared your home for a special reason.

[@rosesanjuan4679]

🙏🏼A miracle for a man of faith? Keep on praying🙏🏼

[@robe2504]

What about all the other chistians that weren't spared? Maybe it's just luck, not a miracle, or is god that nasty?

[@mamagore3031]

THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US, AND WE ARE GLAD. PSALM 126:3 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 This nation, we as a people, need to turn back to God named in the highest organic law of the land as: Nature's God, our Creator, the Supreme Judge of the world, and divine Providence. Turn back to God America before it's too late! Hollywood and America deserves God’s judgment. Turn to Jesus! May He hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God." Psalm 9:17

[@saramaga46]

Pray for all people

[@julie-nw6ql]

What a surreal situation...I just can't imagine 😢

[@PatriciaNee-n6l]

I’m so sorry😔

[@gjsd]

God bless you and everyone you love

[@kennixox262]

I think that it will be longer than two or three years to rebuild. Sad.

[@JuanBarberis]

So sad! Wishing everyone in Altadena including my close friend, Christopher Haydel, health & abundance! Blessings! 😀

[@carlystone5994]

Having something feels like nothing when those you love have lost everything 😭 😭 😭 God bless you all ❤ 🙏 🤲

[@iroshanaminiweligama9311]

Am soo sorry of the victims...who dead... mean time am so happy to see the people who alive .... such wonderful. Kind. People like u. Proud who face n beareup this losses....trying build up life again..

[@carolbythesea]

That’s the reality of a neighborhood disaster. We not only live in our homes, we are a part of the whole. Without the whole, it’s not what we love about a place.

[@rudygarcia541]

Now I see firsthand the meaning of survivors guilt.

[@daixer3156]

Yup! It's real!

[@victoriapenwell4884]

So sad sorry for your loss.

I can not express verbally how very, very sorry I am for everyone who lost out to the fire. I want you to know that my entire family, as well as all my friends, are praying for all of you, and we're doing all we can to help. I believe that somehow, we'll make it through this. It may not look or feel, for that matter, like it's possible, but it is. It will be hard, but the human spirit is a force to be reckoned with. I don't know what exactly our futures futures hold, but I do know that God holds all of our futures. To all those who lost loved ones, my heart shatters for all you. We all love all of you. I know it is not much, but it is the best I have. Please be blessed beyond all you can imagine. I'm so, so very sorry.

[@erlindawalker6427]

Don’t feel guilty, feel blessed.

[@nancywendlandt5616]

So sorry.

[@NancyCronk]

First, thank you to the firefighters and police and other first responders! Second, thank goodness there were some surviving homes so that people can learn why and do better when rebuilding happens. Suggestion for the state of CO -- require that any homeowner who has a swimming pool has a pipe coming up from it with a pump and sprayer that they can use to put out a house fire with pool water. Someone needs to design that before any rebuilding is done.

[@LovesDogs2-g9l]

Yes, I am so very surprised they have not been doing this. I am such a worry wart, I would insist.

[@blueskysailing]

Bittersweet. 🙁❤

[@margaretsleator5530]

God bless you and your kind words. Nothing to say. God is good ☘️

[@mariarohmer2374]

I used to read Bill for years. I had no idea he was a local. I cannot imagine how he feels seeing his beloved neighborhood. I hope he heals the guilt because I have no doubt his neighbors have nothing but happiness for their friend's home to still be standing.

[@moniquekoningstein1877]

Stay strong

[@chrisc1644]

Aw 💕sending hugs.. it’s not going to be a few yrs it’s going to be 5-10 yrs .. OMG ! Such a lovely compassionate man.

[@neiljosephbennett9119]

"There is no more here ...." - wow, that just sums it all up!

[@ader3867]

DO NOT FEEL GUILTY!! Just praise God, be grateful and live a life that glorifies God….and share Him with others! Keep praying for others…as I can tell you always have…and go forward…🙏🙏🙏

[@mamagore3031]

Amen!!! Glorify GOD!!! This nation, we as a people, need to turn back to God named in the highest organic law of the land as: Nature's God, our Creator, the Supreme Judge of the world, and divine Providence. Turn back to God America before it's too late! Hollywood and America deserves God’s judgment. Turn to Jesus! May He hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God." Psalm 9:17

[@webstercat]

The fire department should have quarterly drills where every piece of equipment is inspected, every engine sent to a defined location, all hydrants checked. The moment a fire is a possible threat all engines are sent to battle stations. Apply military standards

[@patriciamidal1934]

God saved your house. Only God knows what happened and why your house is saved. To God be the glory 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@aquarianfirehorse667]

Nothing to feel guilty when God answer your prayer. Be strong.

[@miashalayne4972]

No guilt only prayers, grace and Thanksgiving. Amen

[@polynesia8733]

God bless you for crying out to Him.

[@fallenskybird]

Actually, he really helped me more than at any time in my life when I called him in my suffering and asked for his help ---- no prayers ever did anything in my life ---- but when circumstances were pivotal and my life was on the line he knew and came through big time ---- he knows when we 'truly' need him.

[@ulyssesparado2743]

Your faith BILL will get you through this......the neighbors may not be same or there anymore but you have YOU and your family and supporters to BUILD your community again!------prayers for you from the Philippines!

[@mamagore3031]

Lean on Jesus! God is our Provider. This nation, we as a people, need to turn back to the God named in the highest organic law of the land as: Nature's God, our Creator, the Supreme Judge of the world, and divine Providence. Turn back to God America before it's too late! These are select judgments and warnings like God did as recorded in the book of Amos. God will not be mocked, He’s waiting for us to repent and return to Christ. “Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards, destroying them with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the LORD. Amos 4:9

[@evinwhiteson4902]

My family home burnt in 93 in laguna fires. So did most houses in neighborhood.. But a few survived. It's a much nicer place after it gets rebuilt. Takes a decade though. For it to look natural again

[@bambinoandmore46]

You will recover your home❤❤

[@badcatt-the-cougar-guy-7219]

This brings tears to my eyes. He's rite, it isn't ever going to be the same. Maybe in 10 years it will be something "like" it was. My heart brakes thinking about all who have lost everything. We had a house fire back in the early 80's. Lost most everything. But it was only our house.

[@janetpattison8474]

Unbelievable. My parents house burned to the ground years ago on top of the mountain in Wyoming. But the loss of a community and neighbors and Everything being gone is a totally different devastating situation.

[@MaryReese-oy8is]

God is good. Be grateful. Maybe help others.

[@c.k.e.8554]

In am so sorry 😢

[@Shayne_T]

So traumatic..

[@susanmcconnell6041]

Almighty God spared you, AND your lovely home, for reasons known to HIM!!! USE this gift to let others know of HIS Goodness, Love, Mercy, and Grace. Bless others with your testimony. Yes, others lost their homes. YOU PRAYED TO GOD, AND PRAISED GOD, NOT KNOWING WHAT YOU WOULD FIND. MANY dont even acknowledge HIM! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES, SIR!! 🥰🙏🥰🙏🥰

[@milenapinto5250]

Be grateful to God . HE has been good to you

[@cav5506]

What an awful situation, I feel for him

[@angelwings3128]

Wonderful to hear that your house was spared, 🙏🏻…but please avoid saying “Holy Sh*t”…

[@marjspears]

Many we're called but few are chosen.

[@fallenskybird]

Do you go to church?

[@belamoure]

He is so right ur neighbours are family and if we lose them we are alone on an island of desolation. The reconstruction will take place , years will go by but the times were we were so happy with our neighbours will stay in our hearts for ever.

[@shch1673]

Heartbreaking

[@Cinderella23Queen]

God bless him

[@nomadicroadrat]

It's a difficult situation to wrap one's minfd around: one is lucky to be alive and whose house did not burn, but one component of a house is the neighbourhood that connects people that makes it a home. For those whose houses are still standing, the house is there but the home is gone.

[@masonkim7]

We as Dodgers fans will be with you Bill.

[@iroshanaminiweligama9311]

Hi Bill , i am so sad wt happen to LA ur neigbours ....but am proud of ur kindness. Please go through buddhism philosophy n see.... " everthing impermenent" ..... Wishes from srilanka to rebuild n to stength to bearup this losses... reply please.. 0:35 1:24

[@JamesWilliams-qn5cq]

Praise GOD

[@mindybillings1212]

Be thankful to God!

[@margietalk]

maybe you could stage a weekly or monthly gathering so the neighbors can all commiserate and hear the horror stories, stories of hope, strategies. like you said, there is no more here left. but your house is there and that means something. it's a sign. good luck to you mr. plaschke. i am glad you made it.

[@thekirksiffs5285]

How would he be able to live in the house even if it didn't burn? Is there even infrastructure to support being there? Can he get water, electricity, is the smoke damage too much?

[@Russsir]

Great production

[@KarimRashid-t6p]

Happy birthday California and los Angeles nice looking structure

[@lauramitchell6725]

At 2:24, it must be an optical illusion,because the space within those four palm trees looks like only enough room for a tiny home?

[@AngelTM-nz3ls]

I've been in the position in my life where others died while I survived so I can understand what he's saying very well. When devastation comes so close its breathing down your neck and yet you survive against all odds you can only praise God and mourn the losses.

[@moilliwong9399]

看到邻居的屋子被烧心里是很痛苦的😢

[@sharonbunn7311]

😱😱😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@judymanuel4314]

Give thanks to God for sparing you, giving prayers to GOD Almighty and your prayers were answered.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🌹🌹🌹

[@jrpacer6355]

We all will be paying for this ALL OF US

[@gregself6203]

Hi from Australia. In some ways your situation is almost as bad as that of those who lost their houses. They have more options than you. It's sad for everyone. Best luck for the future.