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Fire Survivor Rebuilds Home After Devastating Eaton Fire

1/8/2026

33 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ted Koerner, a Los Angeles County homeowner, lost his home in the Eaton Fire, which, with the Palisades Fire, destroyed thousands of homes and caused 31 fatalities.
He fled with his golden retriever Daisy Mae and spent weeks in a hotel, grappling with the emotional toll.
Koerner liquidated retirement savings to speed the rebuilding process, and four months later he returned to his rebuilt home.

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Story summary

Ted Koerner, a Los Angeles County homeowner, lost his home in the Eaton Fire, which, with the Palisades Fire, destroyed thousands of homes and caused 31 fatalities.
He fled with his golden retriever Daisy Mae and spent weeks in a hotel, grappling with the emotional toll.
Koerner liquidated retirement savings to speed the rebuilding process, and four months later he returned to his rebuilt home.