Albany native recounts California wildfire nightmare

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- More than 100,000 people are under evacuation orders in California as the wildfires continue to spread. One woman who was born and raised in Albany, but moved to California about a decade ago, detailed what the fires have been like and the devastation her family has seen.

Tafralian lived in Albany County for about 30 years before she moved to Los Angeles County in 2011. She currently lives in between the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, and luckily her house is fine. However, she said her son's house in Altadena was not as lucky.

“He was there for at least 20 years, I remember when he first bought the place." said Tafralian. “They took the van and their two fur babies and went to stay with some friends in Simi Valley. And within 24 hours his house was gone. The whole neighborhood."

Altadena is a community inside the Eaton Fire danger zone. Christine said her son and his wife left their home this past Tuesday night, before the evacuation order was even in place.

"He thought he would be home, they took three backpacks with stuff he thought he'd be home in three days," said Tafralian.

However, when they returned their home had burnt to the ground. Christine said there wasn't anything left other than ash and destruction.

"I felt sick to my stomach. I had just been there three days earlier, we had lunch together that previous Sunday and I just love him so much and her," said Tafralian.

Plus, it's not just Tafralian's son's house that has been lost in the roaring flames. It's businesses, restaurants and entire neighborhoods. The Eaton Fire has spread about 14,000 acres, destroying or damaging over 7,000 structures and is only about 15% contained, according to CalFire.

The Palisades Fire has spread about 23,000 acres and is about 11% contained, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's wildfire update Saturday morning.

“People had homes right on the water, they’re gone, restaurants gone, all these beautiful landmarks are gone," said Tafralian. "Just the local supermarket you know, I know you have Aldi's out there we started getting Aldi's out here and I was just in there the other day and its just gone."

Although Tafralian fortunately cannot see any flames from her windows, she said the smoke fills up the skies most of the time.

"It looks like a warzone out there," said Tafralian. "LA will get through this and they will be stronger and will heal but it's going to take a long time. They're going to have to process this grief."

Tafralian said the most important thing is to be there for each other. She is grateful for the outpour of support from local communities and beyond, and she hopes her son and his wife can rebuild their lives.

“You just have to develop an appreciation for life everyday and have an attitude of gratitude," said Tafralian.

Attorney General Letitia James warned residents to be careful when choosing to donate to those affected by the California wildfires. James recommends to check websites like Disaster Philanthropy to find out which charities are at the aid forefront. The American Red Cross is also accepting donations here.