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Facing the Flames: The Courageous Stand of the Salser Couple

On January 7, 2023, Susan Salser, an 85-year-old resident of Pacific Palisades, witnessed a rapid advance of flames and smoke from her kitchen window. The wildfires that have plagued California were drawing dangerously close to her home. Despite the danger, Susan and her husband, 86-year-old Winston Salser, chose not to evacuate but instead to defend their residence from the encroaching inferno. Their decision highlights the resilience and determination of individuals in the face of natural disasters.

A Determined Defense Against Nature’s Fury

Rather than succumbing to fear and fleeing the scene, the Salser couple took immediate action. Armed with garden hoses, they positioned themselves around their home—Susan on one end and Winston on the other—ensuring that the fire would not breach their property. Their efforts proved successful, as their home became one of only three in their neighborhood that remains standing amidst widespread devastation. Susan expressed her feelings of safety, confidently stating, “I genuinely feel safer here.”

Family Reactions to the Threat and Heroism

The couple’s actions naturally raised concerns among their family members. Mark Salser, their son, initially feared for his parents’ safety as he watched the news coverage of the wildfires. He remarked, “I thought I was going to lose them both,” reflecting the anxiety that many family members experience when loved ones face imminent danger. Upon witnessing their resolve, he attributed their success in protecting their home to their undeniable “tenacity.”

Experienced Defenders of Their Home

Interestingly, the Salsers are no strangers to fighting off wildfires. Nearly 50 years earlier, in 1978, they successfully defended their home from another wildfire, showcasing that their determination and familiarity with such situations have been long-standing. However, this time they credited not just their bravery but also the immunity provided by the 100 oak trees that Winston had previously planted in their backyard. These trees played a crucial role in creating a barrier against the fire, highlighting the importance of thoughtful landscaping in wildfire-prone areas.

The Price of Protection

While Susan remained steadfast at home, her husband Winston suffered from burns on his arms and legs during the fight against the flames and required hospitalization. These injuries serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved when battling natural disasters. Even so, Winston was resolute in his commitment to protecting their life’s work, which their son Mark described poignantly: “You build a life, it’s hard to imagine how you leave that.”

A Home Without Utilities But Full of Hope

Despite her home now lacking water and power, Susan described it as “heaven,” indicating that her emotional attachment to the place far outweighs the physical comforts that have been lost. “Here I stay. Whether it’s as a human being or ashes, I do not know, but so far it’s as a human being,” she expressed, underlining the deep connection that individuals often have with their homes, especially during trying times.

The Larger Picture of the Wildfire Crisis

The Salser couple’s experience is set against a backdrop of a wider crisis. As of mid-January, at least 25 individuals had lost their lives due to the ongoing wildfires in California, with over 82,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders. The Palisades Fire alone has burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed over 5,000 structures, with only 19% containment. Additionally, the Eaton Fire continues to wreak havoc, marking itself as the second most destructive fire in California’s history, having claimed over 7,000 structures.

Conclusion

The story of Susan and Winston Salser exemplifies not only the courage displayed by individuals in the face of impending disaster but also the broader implications of wildfires in California. Their decision to defend their home serves as a powerful testament to human resilience and attachment to place. As wildfires become more commonplace due to climate change, it becomes paramount for residents in affected areas to have a plan and consider methods of fire mitigation, making the Salsers’ experience relevant for many others facing similar threats.

FAQs

1. What led the Salsers to stay instead of evacuating?

The Salsers felt a strong connection to their home and believed they could effectively defend it against the fire, providing them with a sense of safety.

2. How did the Salsers manage to protect their home?

They used garden hoses to create a barrier against the flames, working diligently around their property to prevent the fire from encroaching.

3. What kind of injuries did Winston Salser sustain?

Winston suffered burns on his arms and legs while fighting the fire and required hospitalization for treatment.

4. What impact did the oak trees in their backyard have on the fire situation?

The oak trees, planted by Winston years earlier, acted as a natural barrier, helping to slow down the fire’s advance toward their home.

5. What is the current situation regarding wildfires in California?

As of mid-January 2023, wildfires continue to threaten many areas in California, with thousands of people evacuated and significant destruction recorded.

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