A California man aided his 83-year-old father-in-law in escaping a wildfire by walking with him, with the help of two good Samaritans.

Aaron Samson's 83-year-old father-in-law and he had to flee.

A California man aided his 83-year-old father-in-law in escaping a wildfire by walking with him, with the help of two good Samaritans.
A California man aided his 83-year-old father-in-law in escaping a wildfire by walking with him, with the help of two good Samaritans.

Officials are hoping for calmer winds Thursday morning to help combat the five Los Angeles area wildfires that have led to evacuations of tens of thousands of people.

Numerous tales of survival are emerging. Aaron Samson, 48, was looking after his 83-year-old father-in-law in his Pacific Palisades home when the need arose to evacuate on Tuesday. Since they had no car, Samson signaled to a neighbor for a ride, who graciously agreed to transport them and their possessions.

As Samson filmed their escape, flames and smoke enveloped the two as they abandoned a car. Meanwhile, a woman screamed in terror as firefighters escorted the crowd away.

"We got it, Dad," Samson repeated as they evacuated on Tuesday.

Aaron Samson's father-in-law rescue
This image taken from video provided by Aaron Samson shows his 83-year-old father-in-law escaping the wildfires after they evacuated a vehicle near Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (Aaron Samson via AP)

On Wednesday, Samson told the Associated Press that his father-in-law had said, "If the flames are ever right there, just run and leave me here, Aaron."

Before they reached their destination, a second good Samaritan picked them up and drove them to safety in Santa Monica after walking for 15 minutes.

People evacuate cars during LA fires
People evacuate their cars as flames from a wildfire spread to the street near Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.  (Aaron Samson via AP)

On Wednesday afternoon, Samson was uncertain if the house had endured, but he stated that they owed a debt to the two strangers.

""They really stepped up," he said."

83-year-old father-in-law with walker
Aaron Samson kept telling his 83-year-old father-in-law, "We got it, dad," while evacuating. (Aaron Samson via AP)

As thousands of people fled wildfires in the Los Angeles area, their escape came amidst the destruction of more than 1,000 structures, including homes with chimneys and wrought-iron staircases, and the scorching of landmarks made famous by Hollywood, which resulted in the death of at least five people.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

by Pilar Arias

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