Los Angeles residents return to ashes and ruins after devastating wildfires

Butler’s and Fuentes’ stories were two of many in a city where destructive wildfires, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and tinder-dry conditions, have been burning since Tuesday, forcing more than 180,000 people from their homes.

So far, there have been 10 reported deaths, but authorities fear that number is likely to rise as the fires continue to devour entire streets and thousands of structures in heavily populated areas of Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, local real estate agents like Joe Cilic warned that unscrupulous property owners were already taking advantage of the catastrophe, allegedly gouging suddenly homeless people into leasing emergency housing at exorbitant prices.

“In a normal marketplace you can do that,” Cilic said. “After a disaster, it’s a crime.”

Cilic, who works for Sotheby’s and has long been active in the Pacific Palisades community, said he too was forced to lease a new home after the fires burned down the house he shared with his wife, Amy, their two kids, Alexander and Sofia, and their two dogs.

“It’s not our dream home by any means,” Cilic said of the rental, adding that it came unfurnished and the first things he invested in were blow-up mattresses. “But it feels good to have an address.”

Cilic said he’s been fielding calls from dozens of other people like him, many of whom are still grappling with the loss of their homes and pretty much all of their possessions.

“They’re trying to find their new dream home, and they’re just not going to get it right away,” Cilic said. “I was lucky. When I signed the lease on my rental, there were already 30 other people already vying for the same property.”