A determined janitor remains camped out among the debris of the Los Angeles fires.

LOS ANGELES – 16 JAN - Jeff Ridgway, a janitor and property manager in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, has remained in his apartment for over a week amidst the destruction caused by wildfires. Despite being urged to evacuate along with thousands of others, he stayed behind to protect the building, using garden hoses, buckets of water, and even water from the swimming pool when supplies ran out. Ridgway, who has lived in the complex for nearly 35 years, expressed that he couldn't abandon his home or the tenants, feeling a sense of responsibility for both his and their belongings. His dedication saved parts of the building, although nearby areas were destroyed.

Despite the ongoing fires in Los Angeles and the imposition of police and military roadblocks, Ridgway refuses to leave, camping out in his apartment without electricity. His neighbors, who evacuated, have sent him supplies, including food, water, and fresh socks. Ridgway, accustomed to rough conditions from past camping trips, remains hopeful that Pacific Palisades will recover. He believes the neighborhood, which has a rich history and valuable properties, will rebuild and remain a cherished community, attracting residents once more due to its proximity to nature and its strong sense of history.