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Appleton Native Opens LA Home to Wildfire Victims Amid Devastation
Appleton native and film director Michael Sajbel has opened his Los Angeles home to families displaced by the catastrophic wildfires ravaging the city, as he reflects on the widespread destruction and resilience of the community. Sajbel, who splits his time between Appleton and Los Angeles, described the scene as “apocalyptic” after witnessing the devastation firsthand.
“It was apocalyptic,” Sajbel said, recalling his flight out of Los Angeles on Wednesday. “We flew out over the city, and it was dark. I looked down out of the plane window, and there’s SoFi Stadium—where the Packers played the Rams just a few weeks ago—but you could barely see it through the smoke. A lot of good friends lost their homes.”
Sajbel, who grew up in Appleton, has deep ties to Los Angeles, where he works in the film industry and owns a home. He arrived in the city last Friday, just days before the wildfires erupted. “By Sunday night, the winds started howling, with gusts up to 90-100 mph. Huge clouds formed in the west, but they weren’t rain clouds—they were clouds of fire,” he said.
While Sajbel’s home remains intact, many of his friends in the Pacific Palisades have suffered significant losses. “This morning, I was on a Zoom call with two guys who’ve already lost their houses, and others are on evacuation warnings,” he shared. “It was ethereal.”
In response to the crisis, Sajbel has opened his Los Angeles home to two families whose homes were destroyed. Beyond his personal efforts, he expressed concern about the broader impact on the community. “The stores that burned down, the people who worked in those stores, the jobs that are gone—it’s just overwhelming,” he said. “I don’t think we even fully understand the devastation yet. It’s almost as if a nuclear bomb went off.”
Despite the challenges, Sajbel remains hopeful about the city’s ability to recover. “It’s going to take time and help from others,” he said. “But the city will come back strong.”
The wildfires have caused widespread devastation across Los Angeles, with at least five major fires scorching homes and buildings. Evacuation orders have been issued for approximately 179,000 people, and the fires have impacted numerous celebrities, including Mark Hamill and James Woods, who have shared their experiences of loss and evacuation.
As the city grapples with the aftermath, Sajbel’s actions highlight the resilience and compassion of those affected. “To everyone affected, please stay safe, hold your loved ones close, and know that this city is resilient,” he said.