When wildfires ripped through Altadena and the Pacific Palisades in early 2025, they left behind a trail of destruction and a big problem: looters.
With thousands of homes reduced to rubble and emergency services stretched thin, some residents decided they weren’t going to wait for help—they were going to protect what was left, armed and ready.
This is where the Second Amendment really comes into play, even in California, a state not exactly known for being gun-friendly.
Staying Behind to Stand Guard
Take Maggie and her husband, for example. Inside Edition caught up with them in Altadena, where they had stayed behind to guard their home.
They’d already saved it from the flames while their neighbors’ houses burned, and they weren’t about to let looters take it.
Maggie explained how they took turns sleeping in shifts, saying, “We’ve risked our lives to save our home from the fire; we’re not going to lose it to looters.”
Over in the Pacific Palisades, some folks hired private armed security to keep their properties safe. One resident didn’t mince words, warning looters, “Good luck with that. If you want to get shot, that’s what you can do.”
It’s clear that, when the chips are down, having the ability to defend yourself and your property isn’t just about rights—it’s about survival.
The “Stayers” Take Control
Meanwhile, KTLA 5 reported on a group of Altadena residents calling themselves “The Stayers.” They banded together to patrol their neighborhood, stomp out small flare-ups, and make sure no one got any ideas about looting.
One of the Stayers, EveAnna, shared how she prepared for situations like this, learning disaster readiness from a neighbor and making upgrades like fire-resistant shingles and a whole-house generator.
Oh, and firearms? She made sure she was trained and ready. In her words, “I do have firearms, and I’ve been calling my friends to make sure I know how to legally exist with them.”
In a place like California, where gun laws are strict, stories like Vanessa’s show how crucial it is to have access to self-defense tools and the training to use them responsibly.
Finding Hope Amid the Ashes
While some stayed to fight off looters, others had to leave everything behind. Thousands of students in the Pacific Palisades lost their schools to the fires, with many relocated to a temporary school 20 minutes away.
One mom shared how her home burned to the ground on her daughter’s birthday, but seeing her daughter smile in her new classroom gave her a glimmer of hope.
Why the Second Amendment Matters—Even in California
These stories drive home an important point: when disaster strikes, the ability to defend yourself and your property isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Whether it’s defending against looters, extinguishing flare-ups, or just standing guard over what’s left, these homeowners remind us that self-reliance and preparedness can make all the difference.
Stories like these make you wonder—what would you do in a situation like this? Would you stay behind to defend your home and everything you’ve worked for, or would you evacuate and hope for the best?
More importantly, are you prepared for the unexpected?
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