In Video: ‘Get out if you want to live’: Man describes moments he evacuated his car

Evacuation Horror: Adam Handler’s Terrifying Experience

As the bulldozer pushed cars out of the way, Adam Handler couldn’t help but gaze at the destroyed remains of his black Audi, a stark reminder of the devastating events that had unfolded just hours before. Adam, his wife, and their dog had been forced to evacuate their home as a raging wildfire swept through the area, consuming everything in its path.

"I was trying to evacuate when flames came to a palm tree right next to us," Adam recounted, his voice still shaking with emotion. "A policeman started telling everyone to get out of their cars, leave their cars if they wanted to live. The cars were going to be in the Gulf of plane, so we grabbed our dog and left the car."

Adam and his wife, along with their dog, managed to escape the inferno, but their car did not. The destruction was all too real as they walked down to PCH, surrounded by fires and smoke. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning embers, and the sounds of sirens and chaos filled the air.

A Small Loss Compared to the Horror

As Adam reflected on their ordeal, he couldn’t help but put things into perspective. "You know, it’s a small loss compared to everything else that’s happened," he said, his voice laced with a sense of gratitude. "We got out okay, and that’s all that matters."

But for many others, the loss has been much greater. Adam’s friend, whose house is further down the hill, lost their home to the fire. The local church has also been reported to have been destroyed, a devastating blow to the community.

A Terrifying Escapade

As Adam recounted their terrifying experience, it became clear that the situation had escalated rapidly. "It was only a minute or two later that we were looking to our right and saying, ‘Oh my God, look how close the flames are,’" he said. "That’s when the policeman told everyone to get out, and we were wondering what they were going to do with all the cars."

The destruction was palpable, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ashes. Adam’s home, located at the top of the hill, is currently still standing, thanks in part to the nearby Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Pump Station. But the uncertainty is still palpable, and Adam is anxiously waiting to see if their home will remain safe.

A Message of Hope

As Adam’s story comes to a close, it’s clear that even in the midst of devastation, there is always hope. "We’re just grateful to have made it out alive," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "And we’re hoping that the fire will be contained soon, and that our community will come together to rebuild and recover."

As the camera fades to black, Adam’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity.