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Devastated ABC news reporter lost ‘dream home’ in LA fires just one night after she moved in

BBG News

A journalist from ABC News had the misfortune of only spending a single night inside what she considered her ideal home, before it was tragically consumed by the destructive fires that swept through Los Angeles.

During the weekend, Zohreen Shah, a reporter based in Los Angeles, shared her tale of grief following the Palisades Fire that destroyed her recently bought home.

Together with her husband Rishi Shah, she shared a heartfelt thought on Instagram about their recent purchase of a coastal property, which they only finalized less than a month prior. They’ve just begun the process of unpacking and settling into their new home.

She shared how, after six long years of searching, they eventually discovered their ideal home, where they spent just a single night before sadly watching it burn to the ground.

As I share snapshots of my cherished sanctuary alongside remnants of what once was, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of sorrow as I recount the significant sacrifices I made in order to accumulate enough for the initial investment.

She emphasized the effort she invested to realize her dream, which was to possess something her parents didn’t – a home, as they never owned one themselves.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, I, along with my partner Rishi Shah, expressed our devastation. Our cherished dream house was sadly consumed by the flames. Regrettably, it’s beyond repair now.

She shared that they managed to secure a coastal property in November, and they completed the deal for it during the festive season, on Christmas Eve.

They had just moved in before the fire burned down their new home in the Pacific Palisades. 

Last week, we began living here. Again and again, I expressed my disbelief to Rishi that this peaceful haven belonged to us. We stayed just a single night.

I exclaimed: “It was enchanting! The thought of retiring right there, so close to the Pacific Coast Highway, was a dream come true. It felt as if I had stepped into a completely different world, only five short minutes away.

She penned down: ‘A deer approached our abode, the birds’ melodies evoked a tropical paradise, while the scenic vista resembled the idyllic California fantasy.’ In addition to that, we had trees bearing peaches, nectarines, lemons, and avocados, along with a small, protected area for lettuce and strawberries, shielded from wild animals.

She went on to say, “However, it was much more than just that.” It represented the conclusion of Rishi’s six-year quest for the ideal coastal residence. He discovered it in November, and we finalized the deal on Christmas Eve.

She expressed great pride because, by giving up travel and having kids, she managed to accumulate sufficient funds for a down payment.

She pondered over the fact that she put in considerable effort due to the fact that neither her mother nor father ever owned a house, and she aimed to achieve something they hadn’t – a home of their own.

She mentioned that she usually prepares meals at home, doesn’t have children yet, and doesn’t travel recreationally. This lifestyle choice allowed her to save a substantial amount for 20% of our down payment over the years, which made her feel incredibly proud. However, in an instant, after all those years of working and saving, everything vanished.

She mentioned that her friends have shared with her that they can now reconstruct the house according to their preferences, but to her, the house was already absolutely lovely.

Shah conceded that they consider themselves fortunate to be secure, yet expressed deep sadness that persists.

She expressed that she oscillates between feeling empowered and wise, as if an older, more capable version of herself, and trembling with fear, like a vulnerable 4-year-old. Additionally, she is terrified because this situation is far from resolved.

Afterward, she expressed that she had questions and requirements as she vocalized her criticisms towards insurance firms and political figures.

I am resolute in my quest for solutions. This path is deeply meaningful to me. I fervently wish that as you observe me on television or TikTok, you recognize a fellow traveler who witnessed their cherished dwelling reduced to ruins, and is now tenaciously working to rebuild it from the ground up.

On the previous Tuesday, numerous devastating wildfires broke out in Pacific Palisades and soon spread to become a multitude of destructive fires across the broader Los Angeles region. This was primarily due to hazardous winds and prolonged dryness.

A week has passed, and the fires have destroyed over 37,000 acres and more than 12,000 buildings. Brave firefighters are still tirelessly working to control these fierce wildfires.

Approximately 88,000 individuals have been ordered to evacuate immediately, while an additional 84,000 are advised to prepare for potential evacuation.

At least 25 people have died in the devastating fires.

As I speak, the Palisades Fire is currently being held back by firefighters to a 18% boundary, whereas the Eaton Fire, located north of Pasadena, is under control at 35%.

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2025-01-15 10:18

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