Man Finds Heartfelt Note in Mailbox From Firefighters Who Saved His Home During Palisades Fire

Following the California wildfire last month, a Pacific Palisades resident anxiously awaited an opportunity to return to his home and examine the damage after the January fire that devastated his neighborhood.

Tony Nesburn’s home overlooking the ocean held priceless memories of his wife, Cristina Kenney, who had sadly passed away a year ago.

The belongings she left behind carry deep sentimental meaning for Tony—and he prayed they were saved from the fires. Soon, his whole family felt overwhelming relief when they learned that Tony and Crissie’s house was miraculously saved.

Upon returning home January 24, Tony discovered a heartfelt letter left in the mailbox by four heroic firefighters explaining how they saved his home.

“We are so sorry for the devastation your neighborhood has endured. It is truly heartbreaking, and we can only imagine the toll it has taken on everyone affected.

“When we returned a few days later it brought us great relief to see that we were able to save your house. The house to the right of you was completely on fire and burning the fence, about to catch your house on fire.

“We stopped the fire from burning through your side door and kept the fire from your deck and roof.

“Since then, our amazing team has found solace on your deck, gazing out at the beautiful Pacific Ocean. It has offered a moment of calm amidst the chaos.

“The pink ribbon, if it is still there, means the house was a save—and it gave us pride to hang it!

“We want you to know that you and your neighbors are in our thoughts as you rebuild and recover.”

With love and support,

El Segundo Fire Dept. Engine 31 “C” Platoon

Levi, Steve, Matt and Jason

Tony and his family soon contacted the firefighters in El Segundo and learned they had taken selfies of themselves from Tony’s deck.

And the five met for the first time during a public ceremony in the Los Angeles beach town to honor the local heroes.

Tony’s cousins told GNN that words could not express how important it was that all of his late wife’s things had been preserved.

“He is still really mourning her loss,” wrote Ana de Luna. “It really did feel like a miracle.”

“We all said Crissie was helping the firefighters from the afterlife.”

Good News Network | February 9, 2025

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