The recent fires here in Southern California have brought up so many emotions and difficult memories for me. Many of you might remember that my home was destroyed in November 2018 by a wildfire in Malibu, fueled by the same hot, dry Santa Ana winds we’re experiencing now. While I no longer live in that community, it’s heartbreaking to see these areas affected again, with the flames threatening homes and lives.
Earlier this week, as the fires spread, I received countless messages from friends and colleagues checking in to see if we were okay. At first, I was relieved to say yes—my wife and I were out of the country, and the fires hadn’t yet reached our neighborhood, where I live just an eight-minute walk from my kids, Hannah and Sam, and their significant others. But that changed quickly.
Last night, a fire broke out in the hills near our homes. If you’ve been following these fires, you know how fast-moving and unpredictable they can be. Evacuation orders were issued for neighborhoods just a mile north, with the flames quickly moving toward our area.
Being so far away, I felt helpless. Having been in this exact situation six years ago when my own home was lost, I know how overwhelming and frightening it is to decide what to grab, where to go, and how to stay safe in the chaos. This time, it was even harder knowing my kids were facing those decisions without me there.
But Hannah and Sam, now adults, handled the situation with remarkable composure. They made quick decisions, packed what they could, and evacuated safely. It’s not easy to stay calm when the flames are moving closer and evacuation orders are being issued, but they did everything right.
Thankfully, the quick response from the LAFD, combined with calmer winds later in the evening, brought the situation under control. By the end of the night, evacuation orders were lifted, and they were able to return home safely.
The scenes of destruction in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and other parts of Los Angeles are devastating. It’s not just homes that are lost but also landmarks and places that hold deep meaning for so many in our community.
Reflecting on these events, I’m reminded of the incredible work independent insurance agents like you do during times like this. Helping families and businesses rebuild after such loss isn’t easy—it’s often a long and difficult fight. But the work you do is critical, and it changes lives. Even when it feels thankless, your efforts leave a lasting impact every single day.
To our clients here in Southern California: we want you to know we’re here for you. Whether you need support protecting your business or navigating the challenges ahead, we’re ready to help however we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything you need during this difficult time.
Thank you for everything you do to support your clients and communities. I’m proud to work with such dedicated insurance professionals who truly make a difference every day.
Take care,
Brad
