A news reporter expressed deep sorrow after their ‘dream’ home was completely destroyed in the LA fire, just one day after she moved in.
A news reporter in Los Angeles has shared her deep sadness after her new home was destroyed by wildfires.
Zohreen Shah, an ABC News reporter, had just moved into her dream house when it burned to the ground.
This tragic event happened only one day after she and her husband, Rishi, made the house their home.
The impact of LA fire
The wildfires in Los Angeles have caused widespread destruction.
Thousands of homes and buildings have been lost, and at least 25 people have died in the fires.
The situation is dire, with strong winds and dry conditions making it hard to control the flames.
Firefighters continue to battle the wildfires, but the damage is already extensive.
Shah took to Instagram to express her heartbreak.
She posted photos showing the remnants of her home, which she described as “magical.”
In her post, she shared how much the house meant to her and how long it took to find the perfect place.
The couple finally found their long-awaited dream home.
For years, Shah and her husband searched for a home that felt just right.
Rishi had spent six years looking for the ideal property. They finally found it in November and closed the deal on Christmas Eve.
Shah described the house as a sanctuary, filled with beauty and tranquility.
She mentioned the stunning ocean views, the peaceful sounds of nature, and the fruit trees they had planted.
“It was perfect. It was magical. We dreamed of retiring in that same home.
Just five minutes from PCH, yet it felt like another planet.
“Deer walked up to the home, the birds sounded like a tropical island, and the ocean view was the California dream.
We had peach, nectarine, lemon, and avocado trees—and a small enclosure for lettuce and strawberries, safe from wildlife.”
Shah reflected on her background, explaining that her parents did not own a home while she was growing up.
This experience motivated her to work hard and save money.
She was proud of the sacrifices she made to achieve her dream of homeownership.
After years of saving, she was thrilled to finally have a place to call her own.
“Growing up, my parents didn’t own a home. Like so many, I worked, saved, and sacrificed with the dream of having what my parents didn’t have.
I cook most meals at home, I haven’t had kids yet, and I don’t travel for fun. Because of this, over years, I saved enough for 20% of our down payment. I was so proud.”
Reporter’s dream home burned in LA fire
In her emotional post, Shah expressed her feelings of loss and despair.
She stated that after putting in so much effort, losing the house felt like a huge blow.
Friends tried to comfort her by saying they could rebuild, but she felt that the house was already perfect as it was.
Shah admitted that while she is determined to rebuild with her husband, they are also grieving the loss of their dream home.
She described the emotional rollercoaster she has been on since the fire.
At times, she feels strong and ready to move forward, while at other moments, she feels scared and vulnerable.
She wrote: “I lost my home in the fires. It’s a total loss. We started moving in last week.
Over and over, I told Rishi I couldn’t believe this sanctuary was ours. We spent one night there. Just one.”
Couple struggles with emotional and financial challenges after losing home in LA fires
The couple is currently in limbo, waiting for information from their insurance company.
They understand that rebuilding will take a long time, adding to their frustration.
Shah emphasized that this journey is personal for her, and she hopes that people can see her struggle when they watch her on TV.
She admitted: “I have to be honest. As much as I’m determined to rebuild with Rishi, we are also so damn sad.
“I know we are very lucky – we are safe. But I ping-pong between feeling like a stronger, wiser version of myself and curling up into a scared, 4-year-old version.
I’m also scared because this isn’t even over.”
As of now, the Pacific Palisades fire, which destroyed her home, has burned over 23,700 acres.
It is only 18 percent contained, according to reports from Cal Fire.
The situation remains serious, and many families are facing similar challenges as they deal with the aftermath of the fires.