16 hours Ago
As wildfires rage across Los Angeles County , we’re starting to learn more about the memorable places we’ve lost. An unknown number of homes have gone up in flames. Much-loved eateries, places of worship, and stores have also burned down.
Thousands have been evacuated, so we won’t know fully what’s been lost until after people can return. But through statements from public officials, owners, coverage from our media partners, and verifiable posts on social media, we’ve been able to put together an initial list. Here’s what we know so far.
Share what you know First, LAist needs your help . We’ve put together what we know, but plenty of places are missing. What structures do you know about, such as favorite spots, historic buildings or community staples, that have burned down? Let us know by filling out the short form below and we’ll update this guide.
Altadena Hardware The much-loved hardware store and plant nursery has been part of the Altadena community for more than 80 years. On Wednesday, images showed the business and adjacent stores , which included a bike shop and restaurant, burned down to its facade. It’s part of a string of fiery destruction around Lake Avenue that includes pizza joint Side Pie, according to LAist host Antonia Cereijido, who drove around the area.
Altadena Community Church The progressive church is another staple that’s been around for more than eight decades. LAist producer Libby Rainey went to see it and said the building is destroyed. Altadena Senior Center Fires engulfed the senior center , “burning it to the ground” according to our partners at CBS Los Angeles .
The center opened in 1982 to care for older people in Altadena, La Crescenta, and East Pasadena unincorporated areas. The Bunny Museum The iconic and quirky museum in Altadena burned to the ground, owners said on Instagram . The Bunny Museum housed around 46,000 bunny objects — like rabbit antiques, cookie jars and even bunnies from Rose Parade floats.
It opened in 1998 and held the Guinness World Record for largest collection of rabbit-related items. Fox’s The Altadena restaurant posted to Instagram on Wednesday that their building burned down. Fox’s was a local favorite known for serving what it called “just good food,” like fish and chips and meatloaf.
It opened in 1955. Masjid Al Taqwa Multiple videos have circulated online showing the Altadena mosque and surrounding businesses destroyed. The building served the local Muslim community for 30 years and was recently renovated, according to the mosque’s website .
Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center The entire campus of the Jewish synagogue has been lost, Rabbi Jill Gold Wright confirmed to LAist. All Torah scrolls from the sanctuary, chapel, and classrooms were removed. The Temple is another community staple that was around for more than 80 years.
Public Displays of Altadena The beloved 35-seat micro-theater is gone. Its owners posted a video to Instagram showing the building engulfed in flames, saying they’re “at a total loss for words.” The strip-mall location boasted comedy shows, clown events, live theater and more.
Reel Inn The beloved seafood shack has burned down, part of a string of devastating fire damage along PCH. Owners posted a statement to Instagram saying they hope to rebuild when the dust settles. The restaurant opened 36 years ago and boasted a roster of fresh fish entrees.
Topanga Ranch Motel The California parks department confirmed that parts of Topanga State Park were destroyed Tuesday night, including the historic motel once owned by William Randolph Hearst. The bungalow-style building had 30 rooms that were used by PCH construction workers. The parks department had plans to restore it.
Will Rogers’ ranch house The state department also said Will Rogers’ historic ranch house and other buildings in the park were destroyed. Personnel were able to evacuate the horses and remove some cultural and historical artifacts from the park. Rogers owned about 359 acres in what is now known as Pacific Palisades, including land he developed into a cowboy-style ranch in the 1920s.
.
