An ABC news reporter has shared that her "dream home" was destroyed in the devastating fires sweeping through Los Angeles.
Zohreen Shah, a correspondent based in Los Angeles, experienced a heartbreaking loss after spending only one night in her new home, which was ravaged by the Palisades Fire.
In an Instagram post, she shared the devastation, stating, "I lost my home in the fires. It’s a total loss," accompanied by photos of the destruction and happier moments from before the disaster.
Shah and her husband, Rishi, had just closed on the property less than a month prior and were in the midst of moving in when the fire struck. She expressed disbelief at how quickly their dream sanctuary was taken from them, noting that it took them six years to find the ideal home, which they envisioned retiring in, just minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway yet feeling like a secluded paradise.
The significance of the purchase was heightened for Shah, as her parents had never owned a home, and she cherished the close proximity to California's wildlife, with deer visiting their yard and a stunning ocean view.
The property boasted fruit trees and a garden, symbolizing the culmination of Rishi's long search for a coastal retreat.
Shah reflected on her pride in saving for the down payment through years of hard work, only to see it vanish in an instant. Despite their determination to rebuild, she admitted to feeling profound sadness, acknowledging their safety while still grappling with the fear of ongoing fire threats.
She expressed her resolve to seek answers, emphasizing the personal nature of her journey. "When people see me on TV or TikTok, I want them to understand that they are watching someone whose dream home has been reduced to ashes, and who is committed to rebuilding it," she stated in
As of Wednesday, the Pacific Palisades Fire has scorched over 23,700 acres and is currently only 18% contained, according to Cal Fire.