Who Are the Victims of the Los Angeles Fires?

Three individuals who lost their lives in the fires sweeping through Los Angeles lived just blocks apart in a close-knit neighborhood in the county’s eastern region.

This community bordered the Angeles National Forest and was home to many residents whose families had lived there for generations. The houses, passed down through decades, were well-maintained by their devoted owners.https://wordpress.com/

One victim was discovered near a garden hose he had been using to spray his house as flames approached.

In total, five fatalities were reported in Los Angeles County, according to authorities. Three deaths occurred in the Eaton fire in the east, while two others were linked to the Palisades fire near the coast. On Thursday, County Sheriff Robert G. Luna shared that officials were combing through neighborhoods where hundreds of homes were destroyed, hoping not to find more casualties. “That’s our prayer,” he said.

“But this is a crisis, and we don’t know what to expect,” he added.

Here’s what we know about the victims:

Victor Shaw

Victor Shaw’s home, with its distinctive tiled roof, was located on Monterosa Drive, a cul-de-sac near the forest’s edge.

When evacuation orders were issued late Tuesday night, many residents, including Willie Jackson, 81, who had lived in the neighborhood since the 1970s, packed their belongings and left. However, Victor Shaw, 66, who had lived on Monterosa since childhood, chose to stay. Following his father’s example, he was determined to protect the family home.

“The house held great significance for him,” said Mr. Jackson, a retired county employee. “His parents always cared for it deeply.”

Mr. Shaw’s father, Frank Shaw, was known for his meticulous maintenance of the property. “He used to say, ‘We have to keep our neighborhood looking good,’” Mr. Jackson recalled. After Frank and Freddye Shaw passed away, the home was left in a trust to Victor and his sister, Shari Shaw.

Victor, who never married, worked as a bloodmobile driver and later handled contract deliveries. “He was hardworking and a great neighbor, always taking care of the yard,” Mr. Jackson said.

Shari evacuated, but Victor stayed behind, committed to defending the house. He was later found in the front yard, holding a garden hose, trying to fight the fire.

Rodney Nickerson

Rodney Nickerson, 82, lived just a short walk from Victor Shaw’s home. Though it’s unclear if they knew each other, Mr. Nickerson also had deep roots in California.

His grandfather, the founder of Golden State Mutual Life, left a lasting legacy, including Nickerson Gardens, a public housing project in Watts named after him. Mr. Nickerson retired as an aerospace engineer for Lockheed Martin and was a deacon at his church.

“Everyone in the Pasadena Altadena community has been here for generations,” said his son, Eric Nickerson. “They bought houses for $30,000 in the ’70s, and now they’re worth millions. But now, they’re all gone.”

Erliene Kelley

Erliene Kelley, another victim, lived just blocks away. A retired pharmacy technician at Rite Aid, she was a beloved member of the community.

“She was so sweet,” said her neighbor, Terry Pyburn, who often chatted with her about gardening. “She was the perfect neighbor. Seeing her always made you smile.”

The Pyburns believed their area was safe until the smell of smoke signaled danger. They received the evacuation notice late and barely escaped. Tragically, Ms. Kelley did not.

Searching for Other Victims

Fire Chief Anthony Marrone announced that teams would search house to house for additional victims, aided by cadaver dogs. Two fatalities were also confirmed in the Palisades fire.

At Victor Shaw’s property, the fire left little behind—burnt cars, a collapsed structure, and debris piled high. The once-thriving Altadena community, standing for decades, was nearly wiped out.

Willie Jackson, who returned to survey the damage, vowed to rebuild his home stronger. “Next time, it’ll be fireproof,” he said.