In a world where unexpected events can take us by surprise, a heartwarming act of bravery shone through the chaos of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Andrea and Sixuan Pasinetti, a couple residing in the area, never imagined they’d face such a terrifying predicament while away on separate trips. Their three beloved dogs, Alma, Archie, and Hugo, were left at home, at the mercy of the approaching flames. Enter the heroes from CBS News, who turned desperation into a daring rescue mission.
On the fateful day of January 7, 2025, as the Palisades fires swept through Los Angeles, Andrea was in San Francisco for work and Sixuan was overseas. They had tasked a dogsitter with care of their dogs, but road closures due to the rampant fire meant the sitter couldn’t reach the house. The advancing flames threatened their neighborhood on Lachman Lane, putting Alma, Archie, and Hugo at grave risk.
With his dogs’ safety at the forefront of his mind, Andrea boarded the earliest possible flight back to Los Angeles. The journey was fraught with worry, as he described to CBS News, “The flight into [Los Angeles] was definitely very, very hard because we just didn’t have any information.” Awaiting his arrival, a friend was ready with fire-retardant gear and determination to face the approaching inferno. Despite their efforts, law enforcement roadblocks stymied their advance towards the house. “It’s this feeling of helplessness and devastation,” Andrea recalled. “Wanting to maintain hope, but also kind of bracing for the worst.”
Amid these turbulent times, Sixuan was glued to the television, anxiously watching CBS News coverage of the fires. Recognizing journalist Jonathan Vigliotti reporting near their endangered neighborhood, they decided to take a chance by reaching out. Initially, they attempted to contact him through social media. This led them to his colleague, CBS News producer Christian Duran, who passed the message onward to Jonathan. Stirred by the gravity of the plea, Jonathan and Christian knew they had to act.
Jonathan and Christian found themselves amid a precarious situation when they arrived at the Pasinetti home. Enveloped by flames, they had only their resolve and Andrea’s consent to shatter windows if necessary. Each of the dogs had unique challenges—Alma was distressed at the entrance, while Hugo sought refuge beneath a bed.
Demonstrating quick-thinking and compassion, they carefully captured the anxious Alma with a blanket. Their focus then shifted to the hidden Hugo, requiring furniture to be lifted to extract him safely. This timely act of valor was life-saving, as the home succumbed to the blaze mere hours later.
Reflecting on the incident, Andrea expressed overwhelming gratitude, “I have never felt that mixture of joy, relief, exhaustion, despair, and gratitude. The generosity and risk they took to save the dogs—it’s the best that humanity has to offer.” Beyond the journalists’ courageous deeds, he extended thanks to all firefighters and first responders battling the flames to protect lives and properties.
An emotional image emerged from the ordeal, with Andrea captured heartfully with his rescued dogs. The photograph was a testament to the indomitable spirit and strength of community in times of relentless adversity. Jonathan spoke on their decision, admitting, “We almost didn’t go. We wrongly thought the home and the dogs would be fine.”
The Palisades fire left scars and ash across the landscape, a sober reminder of nature’s fury. Burning over 40,000 acres with 177 wildfires, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported heartbreaking loss: thousands of structures decimated and 24 precious lives taken.
Yet, in the midst of such a bleak scenario, the story of the Pasinetti dogs’ rescue will remain a bright chapter, celebrating the courage, compassion, and sense of community inherent in humankind.
