Jennifer Alden and her family of four were among those who had to evacuate from the Palisades Fire. Like many others who stepped up to help during those first few days, Jennifer put her own safety aside to assist a neighbor.
Jennifer, her husband Bobby, and her kids Asher and Jordan.Jennifer Alden
Not only did this brave mother of two save her neighbor, but Heroes Host Heather Jordan says Alden also saved the lives of several pets and another person - the day before the fires broke out.
On Jan. 6, while driving down from the summit from her family's recently purchased home with her two young kids, Alden saw a woman lose control of her car and crash.
She immediately called 911 and, with the help of a With the help of a nearby worker, pulled the woman from her smoking vehicle.
"She could have died," recalled Alden. "She was very out of it, and [we] had to pull her carefully because I was like, 'don't move her,' but the car was going to explode."
Alden says they were lucky the car never ignited.
The very next day, Alden, her family, and the entire neighborhood had to evacuate. She grabbed the family dog and any items she could as the flames drew near.
Jennifer husband Bobby, and her kids Asher and Jordan outside their home.Jennifer Alden
Alden also contacted an older neighbor. She found out that he had fallen and hurt himself, so she helped him get his pets and belongings together.
"He said, 'Well, I was going to leave, but I don't think I can.' Alden recalled. "I got him into his car and he said he was going to try and leave."
She left their homes, and as Alden navigated the chaos of evacuations, she worried about her neighbor. After calling him a few times to no answer, she drove back up the hill.
"I don't think this guy's listening to me," Alden thought to herself, "so I was like, I've got to go get him."
She found him struggling to walk around eating a sandwich. With the hillside on fire, Alden helped her neighbor and his dogs down the stairs and to the car.
Thankfully, they all got out safely.
Alden home after the fire.Jennifer Alden
Alden and her family lost everything, but she said they and the community they love will rebuild, "So that's the most important thing, I think, is that we can all have hope that there will be a Palisades again."
Jennifer, her husband Bobby, and her kids Asher and Jordan.Jennifer Alden
Listen to the extended interview above.
You can help the Alden family by donating HERE. Find other ways to help those impacted by the L.A. fires HERE.
Check out all our KNX Heroes here.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
