Butler and Fuentes’ stories were two of many in a city where destructive wildfires, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and tinder-dry conditions, have been burning since Tuesday, forcing more than 180,000 people from their homes.
So far, 10 deaths have been reported, but authorities fear the number will rise as fires continue to engulf entire streets and thousands of structures in densely populated areas of Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, local real estate agents like Joe Cilic warned that unscrupulous landlords were already taking advantage of the catastrophe, allegedly forcing suddenly homeless people to rent emergency housing at exorbitant prices.
“In a normal market you can do that,” Cilic said. “After a disaster, it is a crime.”
Cilic, who works for Sotheby’s and has long been active in the Pacific Palisades community, said he, too, was forced to rent a new home after fires burned down the home he shared with his wife, Amy, their two children, Alexander and Sofia. and his two dogs.
“It’s by no means our dream house,” Cilic said of the rental, adding that it came unfurnished and the first thing he invested in was air mattresses. “But it feels good to have direction.”
Cilic said he has received calls from dozens of people like him, many of whom are still dealing with the loss of their homes and almost all of their possessions.
“They’re trying to find their new dream home and they’re just not going to get it right away,” Cilic said. “I was lucky. When I signed the lease on my property, there were already 30 other people competing for the same property.”
