Excavating the burn layer in Altadena

Los Angeles Times - Apr 20th, 2025

Christopher B. Hays and Carly L. Crouch, both archaeologists and historians, lost their Altadena home in the Los Angeles-area wildfires. The destruction left them amidst the ashes, drawing parallels between their personal tragedy and their work in archaeology, where burn layers in excavation sites mark historical devastations. The couple's experience underscores the fragility of human constructs and the enduring nature of devastation, as they sift through remnants of their past life, much like they would on an archaeological site. Their training in archaeology has equipped them with the perspective to find meaning in the fragments that remain, and to connect them to the life they hope to rebuild.

The story highlights the broader implications of rebuilding after disaster, both physically and emotionally. It emphasizes the importance of community support, as friends, neighbors, and government agencies rally to assist the victims in their journey toward recovery. The narrative also explores the resilience of the human spirit, the necessity of hope in the face of adversity, and the symbolic significance of salvaging what little remains from the past. As they look to the future, Hays and Crouch reflect on the enduring power of hope and how it enables them to envision a new beginning atop the burn layer left by the fire, drawing strength from their community and the lessons of history.

Archaeology Los Angeles Wildfires Eaton Fire Altadena Christopher B. Hays Carly L. Crouch Tel Halif

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a poignant and well-crafted narrative that combines personal experience with historical reflections, offering readers a unique perspective on the impact of the Eaton Fire. Its strengths lie in its engaging storytelling and the depth of insight provided by the authors' professional backgrounds. However, the piece would benefit from incorporating a broader range of sources and perspectives to enhance its balance and source quality. While the article effectively captures public interest and is timely in its discussion of wildfires, its potential impact could be amplified with more direct calls to action or policy discussions. Overall, it is a compelling read that highlights the human side of natural disasters, resonating with readers on both an emotional and intellectual level.

Accuracy

The story provides a compelling narrative of personal loss due to the Eaton Fire, which is corroborated by factual data regarding the fire's occurrence and impact. The claims about the fire starting on January 7, 2025, and the destruction it caused in Altadena are consistent with official reports. The authors' archaeological background and their accounts of historical excavations, while not directly verifiable in the text, align with their professional roles. However, specific details about the historical context of the destroyed home and the exact number of casualties could benefit from direct citations for enhanced precision.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the authors, who are both victims and professionals with relevant expertise. This dual perspective provides depth but may limit the range of viewpoints, as it does not include voices from other affected residents or officials. The narrative focuses on personal and historical reflections, which while insightful, could be complemented by broader community impacts or expert analyses on fire management and response.

Clarity

The narrative is well-structured and engaging, with a clear chronological flow that enhances understanding. The language is descriptive and evocative, effectively conveying the emotional impact of the fire. However, the intertwining of personal anecdotes with archaeological reflections may require careful reading to fully grasp the connections between past and present.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on the authors' first-hand experiences and professional insights, which are credible given their academic backgrounds. However, the lack of external sources or references to official reports and statistics limits the breadth of source variety. Including additional authoritative sources could enhance the article's reliability and provide a more rounded perspective on the event.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the authors' personal experiences and professional backgrounds, providing a clear context for their reflections. However, it lacks explicit disclosure of the methodologies used to verify certain claims, such as the historical details of the house or the exact impact of the fire. Greater transparency in these areas could improve the reader's understanding of the basis for the article's claims.