The two fires sparked on Jan. 7 during a historic wind event and swept through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, killing at least 29, burning over 37,000 acres, or 57.8 square miles, and leaving destroyed homes and livelihoods in their wake.

Altadena man Samy Arbid was among the lucky ones after the Eaton Fire, when he returned to find his home had been spared. He did, however, have an unusual new housemate, in the shape of a massive bear that had sought refuge in his crawlspace.