CBS News crew praised for 'generosity and kindness' as they rescue 3 dogs trapped in burning LA home
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a heart-pounding rescue mission, CBS News reporter Jonathan Vigliotti and producer Christian Duran saved three dogs trapped in a Pacific Palisades home engulfed in fire.
The two journalists worked quickly to navigate dangerous conditions, breaking into the house to retrieve Alma, Archie, and Hugo, as reported by People.
CBS News crew saves dogs from LA wildfire, owner hails their heroic effort
The dogs’ owners, Andrea and Sixuan Pasinetti, who were out of town, were devastated after learning that the dogsitter couldn't access their home due to the spreading blaze. With the fire rapidly approaching, Andrea made a frantic return to LA, but it soon became clear that reaching the house was impossible due to the blocked roads and growing fire.
Andrea shared with CBS News, "At that point, I just ran straight to the airport and flew back to Los Angeles. The flight into (Los Angeles) was definitely very, very hard because we just didn't have any information."
When Andrea saw Vigliotti reporting on the fire’s progress near the family’s home, he contacted CBS News, hoping the crew could help. With fire surrounding the house, the situation was dire.
Yet, in a courageous effort, Vigliotti and Duran managed to break into the home and locate the three anxious dogs, successfully getting them to safety just before the structure was consumed by flames.
Andrea explained to the outlet, "It's this feeling of helplessness and devastation and also just the unknown. Wanting to maintain hope, but also kind of bracing for the worst."
"Jonathan called and said, 'We have the dogs,' And my first reaction was, 'All three?' I have never felt that mixture of joy, and relief, and exhaustion, and despair, and gratitude towards someone," Andrea recalled.
Andrea expressed his deep appreciation, saying, "The generosity, kindness, and risk they put themselves through to get the dogs was really. I don't know, I think it's the best humanity has to offer."
Despite the loss of their home, the Pasinetti family is thankful for the safe return of their beloved pets, even as they grieve the devastating destruction of their property in the Palisades Fire, which has now claimed over 23,000 acres and left many families in ruins.
Andrea shared with CBS News, "I think all the plaudits and all the commentary on the firefighters and the first responders really, really is very much deserved, and they put themselves in harm's way to try to save what they could."
Los Angeles wildfires Day 11 update
As wildfires in Los Angeles enter their 11th day, emergency teams continue to fight multiple blazes across the region. Though the hazardous fire weather conditions that fueled the fires have subsided, forecasters are warning that a new round of Santa Ana Winds is expected to hit early next week, posing renewed challenges for containment efforts.
The death toll from the ongoing fires has tragically reached 27, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Authorities are concerned the number could increase as search and rescue operations continue. Firefighters are combing through the wreckage in search of survivors and victims, according to Al Jazeera.
Palisades Fire: The Palisades Fire, which has devastated areas in and around the Pacific Palisades, has scorched nearly 9,596 hectares (23,713 acres). It is currently 39 percent contained. No significant growth has been reported in the past 72 hours, providing a glimmer of hope that crews are gaining control.
Eaton Fire: The Eaton Fire, which has burned over 5,713 hectares (14,117 acres), is now 65 percent contained. The city of Pasadena has declared a local public health emergency in response to the heavy smoke and deteriorating air quality resulting from the fire.
More than 5,000 firefighters are actively battling the fires, with reinforcements arriving from Israel, who landed on Thursday, January 16, to support the efforts. Crews from Canada and Mexico have also been deployed, offering critical assistance as the fires continue to rage.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the cause of the Palisades Fire, receiving more than 150 tips from the public. Authorities are working to determine whether the fire was ignited by human activity or natural causes.
