An 83 year old man who lost everything Eaton Fire That destroyed Altadena, California, he said he is ready rebuild and help his neighbors.
“That’s what’s special about Altadena. We liked each other because we see each other almost every day,” Walt Butler told ABC News’ Robin Roberts in an interview Friday.Good morning America” “So I can’t wait to fill my place and help others.”
Butler lost his home of 60 years in a fire that devastated the black community of Altadena last week. It was a fire several fires Los Angeles burned more than 14,000 hectares, killing 16 destroy 7,000 structures.
Many residents, like Butler, were forced to flee their homes as embers and ash rained down, destroying everything in its path.
“I’m over there looking at (the fire),” Butler told Roberts before evacuating. “I said, ‘If I don’t run, he’s going to get me.’
He added of the last-minute escape: “I walk away from the fire, it shouldn’t have happened.”
“Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts talks to Walt Butler, who lost his home in a fire in Altadena, California.
ABC
To many, including his four children, Butler is known as the “heart and soul of Altadena and Pasadena” because of his commitment to the community over the years.
The longtime Altadena resident served as an assistant track and field coach at Pasadena City College and helped lead the team to three consecutive state championships from 1975 to 1977.
Elsewhere in the community, he has helped homeless children, the elderly and more. He also owned a sporting goods store, where he said he started donating shoes because he remembered having holes in his shoes as a child in elementary school.
Butler’s emotional story, which was shared earlier in social networks By “Make Big Talk,” it’s one that resonated with many.
“Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts talks to Walt Butler, who lost his home in a fire in Altadena, California.
ABC
When asked by “Make Big Talk” creator Kalina Silverman what she loved and lost in the fire, Butler says she “lost everything” but is grateful to still have “my health and my life.”
“From a guy who has everything, nothing,” she said in the Jan. 10 video, breaking down in tears. “I spent my whole life helping people. I didn’t think it would happen to me, but it did. But I have my health, and my life.”
After Butler’s video went viral on social media, a GoFundMe started by her children surged in donations, raising more than $900,000.
In a subsequent update, Butler’s children shared on GoFundMe that they were “in tears and overwhelmed with support.”
First responders assess a destroyed residence in Altadena, California on January 16, 2025.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
They shared that the Butlers plan to continue supporting their beloved home of Altadena.
“We appreciate every phone call, prayer and donation to WB. It has been a tremendous source of comfort and strength,” Butler’s children wrote. “We remain committed to raising awareness of other families in need within the community, hoping that others will be blessed and inspired to continue meaningful work in the Pasadena/Altadena Community.”
