91-Year-Old Man Bravely Reacts to Losing Los Angeles Home of 60 Years in Fires: 'I'll Start Over Again'

Mar. 15, 2025

Dale Short.Photo:KCAL News/Youtube

91-year-old Dale Short describes the devastating moment he learned the home he raised his children in was reduced to rubble as catastrophic wildfires tear through Southern California.

KCAL News/Youtube

A 91-year-old man, whose longtime home burned down in theongoing fires in Los Angeles, is grieving the loss — but looking forward.

Dale Short got emotional as he reacted to the news that his home in Pasadena, Calif., burned down onCBS Newsand opened up about the impact on himself and his family.

“I’m going to break down again,” he added, as he began to tear up. “That’s what it . . . that’s what I feel. It’s my whole life."

Short and his girlfriend were one of the thousands of people ordered to evacuate their homes in the Pacific Palisades area after the devastating fires first broke out on Tuesday, Jan. 7, according toBBC News. That same day was when his house was destroyed, CBS News reported. He eventually returned to the scene on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

“I’ve got 60 years of memories in that house,” he told CBS News.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

When asked how he felt to see his home in the state it was, Short replied, “Well I have to be honest with you. It hasn’t hit me all yet. I mean I have 60 years of memories in that house and three children . . . now it’s hitting me.”

However, he told CBS in a separate interview that he knew that he would be “okay” even if his home wasn’t. “I’ll be okay. I’m tough,” said Short. “Even though I’m 91 years old, I’ll start over again.”

Fires in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 8.Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Hillside burns at the Eaton Fire in Hastings Ranch on January 08, 2025 in Pasadena, California

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

As for how many homes have been lost so far to the fires, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a Wednesday news conference that around 1,000 structures were lost in the Palisades. He added that there was a “high number of people who didn’t evacuate” who sustained serious injuries, reported local CW affiliateKTLA.

Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom said onXthat there were “more than 7,500 firefighting personnel” that “are on the ground” responding to “California’s ongoing historic wildfires.” He asked that California residents “remain vigilant” and “be ready to evacuate if you’re near impacted areas.”

source: people.com