PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – Fred Ufkes, who grew up downstate and works for a law firm in Chicago, is grappling with the aftermath of losing everything in the Palisades fire in California.
The fire began less than a mile from Ufkes’ home in Pacific Palisades, leaving his family with only minutes to decide what to take. They grabbed their pets, essential documents, and irreplaceable family photos.
As they evacuated, Ufkes captured photos of the smoke and flames consuming his neighborhood. He reported that most homes in his area, including Las Casas Loop and the Alphabet Streets, have been destroyed. …