TikTok influencer recounts loss of home in California wildfires

An influencer shared her experience of losing her California home to the Palisades wildfire while vacationing in Mexico. Sara Kathryns, a 26-year-old TikTok personality with over 261,000 followers, described the emotional impact of the event in a video posted on the platform.

The Palisades fire began on January 7 and rapidly spread through Los Angeles, resulting in significant destruction. Cal Fire reported that 27 people lost their lives due to multiple fires across the area. Kathryns recounted how she and her boyfriend, Shane Lotz, were unaware of any evacuation warnings when they left for their trip.

Upon arriving in Mexico, they received messages about the fire's proximity to their Sunset Boulevard home. "We land in Mexico and we see so many texts on our phone," Kathryns said. The couple watched as news reports showed flames threatening their property.

A friend later confirmed that their home had been destroyed. "I finally get a video from a different friend... you just see rubble where our apartment was supposed to be standing," Kathryns shared.

Kathryns expressed disbelief at losing everything she owned. "I'm 26 years old. Everything I have built and created is gone," she said. The couple decided to extend their stay in Mexico to process their grief away from the devastation.

Firefighters continue efforts to contain the blaze, with only 31% under control according to Cal Fire. Over 12,300 structures have been damaged and more than 80,000 people displaced by the fires.