Guest: Wildfire Survivor Taianne Knetge from Altadena, CA
As five major wildfires burned through LA in January, thousands of families were left homeless. Survivor Taiann Knetge shares her story including the loss of her father’s home of 67 years. The investigation suggests a power company vehicle may have started the sparks followed by the Santa Anas. The winds sent the blaze raging into a massive wildfire. Taianne joined “Thin Ice with Amy Freeze” to discuss how her family escaped. She shares lessons learned and what is discovered when a neighborhood goes up in flames. Plus a look at what comes next!
Why Weather was to Blame
Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted the first week of 2025 in Southern California. A critical factor was the presence of strong Santa Ana winds, which are dry, gusty winds that blow from inland toward the coast in Southern California. These winds can rapidly escalate wildfires by providing abundant oxygen and carrying embers over long distances, leading to spot fires ahead of the main blaze. On the day the Eaton Fire started, wind gusts reached up to 70 mph, creating a “particularly dangerous situation” as classified by the National Weather Service. Southern Cali had experienced an extended period of drought, with no significant rainfall since May 2024. This prolonged dry spell left vegetation extremely parched and highly susceptible to ignition. The combination of dry fuels and strong winds created an environment where any spark could lead to a rapidly spreading wildfire.
The timing of the fire was also notable, occurring during a period when Santa Ana winds are typically prevalent, from October through March. These winds result from high-pressure systems over the Great Basin, which drive air toward the coast, gaining speed through mountain passes and canyons. The specific synoptic conditions on January 7, including a mid-troposphere “cut-off-low” weather system near Baja California, intensified the Santa Ana winds, further exacerbating the fire’s spread.
The Eaton Fire’s rapid expansion (even though the spark was man made) was primarily driven by the powerful Santa Ana winds and the exceptionally dry conditions in the region. These weather factors combined to create a scenario where the fire could ignite easily and spread swiftly, leading to widespread damage and challenging containment efforts. Several fires were ablaze and roared across the Los Angeles area, killing at least 29 people, including some who died trying to prevent the fires from engulfing their homes.
What Did You Do Right
She left before she was told to leave! Taianne was aware of the forecast and the risks and when they saw the flames getting closer, they evacuated on their own. It allowed them to take their suitcases and pack what they needed. Four blocks away her father did not evacuate until the flames closed in about 4am in the morning which made for a hellish escape with only a few items. They shared their story with news outlets. Source for info: https://www.facebook.com/taiannkg
What Would You Do Different
Taianne lives in Altadena where the Eaton Fire ravaged entire neighborhoods. She says she suggests everyone gets fire coverage. She also suggests taking an inventory of your home so you know what you have and you can make the right claims on insurance.
What’s Next
Taianne’s Dad wants to be one of the first in So. Cal to rebuild so he has set up a GOFUNDME site and put up a sign that says “Make Altadena Great Again.” Go fund me link https://gofund.me/be01a54d
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Their Home on Fire
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All that was Left
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Tainanne's Dad
