Having been forced to leave her home in the area six days ago, she returned now solely for the animals. “All that devastation, and there’s still life there?” Simmel remarked, in reference to the more than 23,000 acres destroyed in the Palisades Fire. The possibility of their survival, of rescuing them, she described as “beautiful and incredible.”
Playing a key role in the pet rescue mission, Simmel is an unofficial volunteer dedicated to this cause. With newfound time on her hands after losing her job at a local supermarket in October and witnessing a friend’s dress shop burn down recently, she has thrown herself into this effort.
Arriving at the property where she resided in a guesthouse for the past 2-1/2 years, Simmel opened a wooden gate while carrying a bucket. Despite nearby homes being razed by the fires, both the main house and the guest house remained untouched. She made her way to a small pond, greeting the koi fish residing there and ensuring they were all safe.
Throwing in handfuls of food, Simmel marveled at the fish’s survival, considering it a miracle that the water hadn’t harmed them. Unable to relocate them, she continued to care for them, providing a sense of normalcy and peace of mind for herself and others in the area.
Among the pet rescue stories emerging from the Palisades, a heartwarming tale involves a 97-year-old man and his wife who needed help reuniting with their dog. Another instance featured a 35-year-old consultant striving to save cats abandoned during the evacuation chaos. Krissy Simmel and her friends intervened, ensuring the consultant could retrieve his cats along with necessary medication for his mother-in-law.
Despite initial setbacks and being turned away by officials, they persisted. Thanks to their efforts, the consultant was able to reunite with his cats, who had endured days without food or water. Grateful for the rescue, he expressed overwhelming relief and gratitude for saving the cats’ lives.
As the dusk settled in, Simmel continued her mission, showing care not just for the koi fish but also for the birds, squirrels, and even a pet oyster that had survived the ordeal. Displaying unwavering dedication and compassion, she left the charred neighborhood with hope for the well-being of all the animals she had helped save.
After evacuating her home due to the raging fires in Los Angeles, she made a heartfelt stop at Fire Station No. 69. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she embraced the firefighters and expressed her gratitude with a simple, “God bless,” to each of them. Climbing into her Jeep, adorned with a distinct “Trust Jesus” bumper sticker on the front windshield, she reflected on the sudden bond that had formed between her and these strangers turned family in a time of crisis. “Suddenly, we strangers become a family. That’s the beautiful part,” remarked Simmel.
As she drove off into the night, the sense of unity and compassion exhibited by the firefighters and volunteers at the fire station resonated deeply. This touching moment captured the essence of the community coming together in the face of adversity, with a shared mission to protect and save lives, including those of our beloved furry friends.
This heartwarming encounter at Fire Station No. 69 is just one example of the incredible efforts being made to rescue and care for animals affected by the wildfires. Countless individuals, from first responders to volunteers, are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all creatures in need.
The spirit of selflessness and camaraderie displayed during these challenging times serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and compassion that exist within our communities. It is in moments like these that we see the true beauty of humanity shining through, as individuals come together to support one another and provide aid to those who require it most.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LA fires pet rescue: Meet the folks saving our furry friends.
