On January 7th, 2025, unfortunate news broke that a series of severe wildfires had erupted, beginning in Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles neighborhood east of Malibu. The fires started small, initially as minor brush fires. According to NBC News, “the blaze grew to 23,448 acres before it was declared 100% contained on Friday,” just 24 days after the fires began. This devastating event sparked not only significant danger but also illuminated acts of true patriotism through the generosity and heroism shown not just by first responders but also by large corporations stepping in to assist in rescue operations.
“Firefighters here on the line—they’re exhausted. You can see it in their eyes, but they’re not leaving here until they have relief,” Brent Pascua, a battalion chief for Cal Fire, told CNN. To illustrate the severity of this event, firefighters and first responders worked intense 48-hour shifts battling flames, evacuating residents, and protecting lives—even at the risk of their own safety.
Though tragedy struck, it is no surprise that numerous stories have surfaced about people going above and beyond to help neighbors, animals, and anyone around them.
One heroic account shared by Deseret News details how, on a Tuesday night during the evacuation of Pacific Palisades, a group of men noticed that a local senior center urgently needed assistance. Around 90 elderly patients were successfully evacuated, thanks to Eddie de Ferrari, his brother-in-law Ray Moore, and several other brave individuals.
“The winds were very strong and debris was flying around us,” de Ferrari said, according to the New York Post. “The air was very smoky; most of the workers and the patients had a lot of problems breathing.” Unfortunately, the senior center burned down overnight.
Another notable act of kindness came from actor Jamie Lee Curtis, who posted on Instagram pledging a $1 million donation toward relief efforts for the California wildfires. Curtis is known for her roles in films such as “Halloween,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and “Freaky Friday.”
“As the fire still rages on and @calfire, @losangelesfiredepartment, and all available first responders and agencies involved in fighting the fire and saving lives are still hard at work—and neighbors and friends are banding together to save each other—my husband, our children, and I have pledged $1 million from our Family Foundation to start a fund of support for our great city, state, and the wonderful people who live and love there,” the actor wrote.
These stories highlight true heroism displayed by firefighters, first responders, and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to save others, protect homes, and battle relentless flames. They are only a few among countless examples of bravery, unity, and sacrifice during the crisis. Such acts of heroism affirm that patriotism is fundamentally about standing together and supporting one another in times of adversity.
