Luc Robitaille, residing in Santa Monica, observed the destructive wildfires affecting Pacific Palisades, prompting a second-degree alert for residents. Despite a sense of cautious optimism, he expressed concern over worsening conditions due to rising winds. The fires have left the area covered in ash, with significant devastation reported, including the destruction of hundreds of homes. The Los Angeles Kings postponed their game, while Robitaille prioritized his family’s safety amid the ongoing crisis.
Luc Robitaille Observes the Aftermath of Wildfires from Santa Monica
From his residence in Santa Monica, Luc Robitaille witnessed the devastating fires that have ravaged Pacific Palisades on Friday morning. Located less than nine kilometers away, the destruction remains alarmingly close. Since Tuesday, Santa Monica has been under a second-degree alert, allowing residents to stay at home but urging them to prepare for a potential evacuation if the situation escalates to maximum alert (code 1). During my conversation with the president of the Los Angeles Kings at around 10 a.m. on Friday, Robitaille expressed cautious optimism, believing the worst might be over. However, he acknowledged the threat posed by rising winds later that night. “My wife is very anxious. We have to wear masks outdoors, keep the air conditioning off, and ensure all doors are shut. Thankfully, it’s not overly hot,” he shared.
Destruction and Community Impact from the Fires
The aftermath of the fires has left the area blanketed in ashes, resembling a snow-covered landscape. “It looks like it snowed,” Robitaille described. He noted that the powerful winds had carried ashes all the way to Manhattan Beach, near their training facility and the airport. The fires, which began on Tuesday, have created apocalyptic visuals reminiscent of a catastrophic event. “That’s exactly it!” Robitaille confirmed. “It’s horrifying! I’ve never seen anything like it. In Malibu, around 200 to 300 homes valued at 10 to 15 million dollars have been destroyed within a mile along the beach. I never thought this could happen since there’s just a street separating the shore from the hills.”
Brush fires, like the current one consuming parts of western Los Angeles, can spread rapidly and leave devastation in their wake. Robitaille reflected on the situation, likening it to the destruction he witnessed in Jasper last July. “Pacific Palisades has been erased from the map,” he lamented. “It’s like if Anjou, where I grew up, burned to the ground.” Tragically, he recounted the story of a friend who lost everything, having only had time to grab his passport and two cherished photographs before evacuating. The impact on victims is profound, with many questioning how insurance companies will address their losses. “To think they have to start from scratch, find new homes, and repurchase everyday essentials is heartbreaking!” he added.
In light of the fires, the Kings postponed their scheduled game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. The team embarked on a four-game road trip on Thursday that will take them to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Seattle over the next week. Meanwhile, Robitaille opted to remain at home to ensure the safety of his partner, their two sons, and their four dogs. The NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, who share the Kings’ arena, also canceled their game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. Additionally, an NFL playoff game featuring the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings will be held at the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium on Monday night. Looking ahead, Robitaille remains hopeful that the Kings will return to normalcy in about ten days for their home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.