California Wildfires: Compassion Over Mockery—What Losing Everything Taught Me

As the California Wildfires continue to destroy homes and uproot lives. I can’t help but reflect on my own experience with fire and the lasting impact it leaves behind.

It’s scary, devastating, and often hard to fathom.

In 2018, my family and I experienced a heartbreaking fire at our home while living in Texas. Long story short, our old grill was rusted and worn out, and I admit, I had it positioned too close to the house. After cooking burgers one summer evening, I turned all the burners off and went inside to eat. While we were all inside eating, a grease fire started in the grill, ignited the siding on the house, and quickly made its way into the attic, where it burned uncontrollably.

We had no idea the fire had started. We were inside eating dinner when a neighbor, passing by, saw flames shooting up the back of our house and ran to alert us. By the time I got outside, the flames were already reaching into the attic.

Fortunately, my family, including our three Great Danes, escaped unharmed. But standing in the street, watching your house go up in flames, is an out-of-body experience that’s nearly impossible to describe. It’s painful, terrifying, and filled with uncertainty.

Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire, but the water and foam caused most of the ceilings in the house to collapse. Between the fire, smoke, and water damage, the destruction was extensive. We lost all of our furniture, our clothing, and, heartbreakingly, many sentimental items that can never be replaced.

The day after the fire, I found myself inside the charred remains of our home with the fire inspector and insurance agent, assessing the damage and cataloging what was lost. During this overwhelming process, I experienced a massive panic attack, something I’d never felt before. It was overwhelming and debilitating.

The months that followed were incredibly stressful and hard, filled with endless paperwork, navigating insurance claims, and trying to rebuild both physically and emotionally. Each day brought new challenges as we worked to piece together what we had lost, all while grappling with the emotional toll of the fire.

California Wildfires: Compassion Over Mockery

I share this story not to seek sympathy, but to shed light on what thousands of people in California are enduring right now as wildfires devastate their communities. The loss is incomprehensible. These families are grappling with the same heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty my family and I felt, multiplied by the scale of the disaster.

READ MORE: Famous Couple’s House Burns Down + More Celebrities Affected by the Catastrophic Pacific Palisades Fire

What’s particularly disheartening is seeing jokes and memes on social media about the fires, often targeting celebrities or those perceived as wealthy. Let me tell you, when your home is reduced to ash, it’s not about wealth or social status. Fire does not discriminate. The loss is deeply personal and universally painful.

We must strive to do better. Behind the headlines and memes are real people -- mothers, fathers, children -- all suffering unimaginable loss. Let’s approach their pain with compassion and humanity, not mockery. These are people who are starting over from scratch, carrying the weight of memories they can never recover.

So as we watch the ongoing wildfires in California, let’s take a moment to reflect, empathize, and, where possible, extend a helping hand. Together, we can make a difference, even in the smallest ways, for those who need it most.

RELATED: Full List of Celebrities Who Have Lost Their Homes in the Los Angeles Fires (UPDATING)

Reputable Ways to Support California Wildfire Victims

• American Red Cross
  Donate to the Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts, including providing shelter, food, and supplies to wildfire victims.
• California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund
  This fund supports immediate relief efforts, such as financial assistance and long-term recovery efforts, for wildfire victims.
• World Central Kitchen
  This organization provides meals to those affected by disasters, including firefighters and displaced residents during wildfires.
• GlobalGiving Wildfire Relief Fund
  GlobalGiving provides aid to affected families and communities and supports long-term recovery efforts.
• Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services
  The Salvation Army offers food, shelter, and emotional support to wildfire victims and first responders.
• Team Rubicon
  Team Rubicon deploys veterans and volunteers to provide disaster relief services, including cleanup and rebuilding after wildfires.
• Local Food Banks and Shelters
  Donate to organizations like the California Association of Food Banks or local shelters in affected areas. These groups provide immediate resources to families in need.
• GoFundMe Verified Wildfire Campaigns
  Contribute to GoFundMe campaigns verified for wildfire victims to directly support individuals or families affected.