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From the Fire to Survival: 'Haus of Vicious' Actress Talks Navigating Life After the Altadena Fire

In an exclusive interview, actress Avise Parsons recounts her harrowing escape from the Eaton Fire, reflects on her love for Altadena, and shares her hope for rebuilding after the devastation.

When confronted with a natural disaster, mere seconds could be the difference between life and death. This was the harrowing ordeal of a resident from the historic neighborhood of Altadena during the 2025 Eaton Fire.

“It was complete chaos,” Haus of Vicious actor Avise Parsons remembers. “Once I got on my block, everyone was in a panic coming in and out of their homes, grabbing whatever they could.” 

The Eaton fire decimated Altadena, an iconic city outside of Los Angeles. Hall of Fame baseball player Jackie Robinson, award-winning author Octavia Butler, and Academy Award-winner Sidney Poitier were among its residents.

In the fire’s aftermath, countless residents were displaced, including Parsons, who found serenity within the town’s veins years before. But when destruction strikes, fame, fortune, and adoration for the things that have acted as a haven have no bearing on being expunged from a crisis.

“The six years have been beautiful,” says Parsons, who moved to the small-town feel community —which houses 18% of the city’s Black population— in 2018. “I was going through this weird transition and grounded myself here. That is part of my affinity for Altadena.”

But on Tuesday, January 7, fast-moving flames and unpredictable embers forced her to evacuate. Now, the beauty of the city she once had grown accustomed to stands in limbo.

“The idea that you can't go home is devastating and heartbreaking,” she says.

Eaton Fire Devastates Historic Altadena, Displacing Black Families and Destroying Legacies

It’s been nearly two weeks since a fire in a nearby mountainside began to threaten her residence, and the memories of fleeing what she once called her “super cute place” continue to strike a haunting chord.

With her heart racing and only seconds to spare, Parsons only managed to grab her birth certificate and a few clothes.

“It was scary,” she recollects while admitting, “I don't think it has really set in yet.”

The following morning, Parsons made a daring attempt to return home but was met with the depths of the devastation throughout Altadena.

“Everyone was like, “It's not safe, don't go, don't go!” but I was like, “I got to go. And so, I did.”

“I'm driving and a lot of stuff was blocked off, but I found a way through. There were power lines on fire, small fires everywhere, and houses actively burning. I got my car as far as I could, then I started walking to my house. I'm seeing burnt houses on the right [and] burnt houses on the left. I'm like, ‘Oh my God, oh my God!’ And finally, I get to my house, and it is still up.’” 

As of January 19, the Eaton Fire had reached 81% containment, remains under investigation, and has burned over 14,000 acres while taking 16 lives. This natural disaster crossed another threshold, becoming one of the most destructive wildfires in California. A report suggests damages from this disaster could cost approximately $10 billion.

Still, for Parsons, she only questions whether her home is still standing. Since evacuating, she has not regained access to it due to streets being tapped off and manned entrances by the National Guard.

“The devastating part is I've been here for six years and to think that I can't live in Altadena anymore hurts the most,” says Parsons, who was attracted to the town's affordability. Back in the 1960s, like Parsons, many African Americans relocated to Altadena because it was one of the few places in California where Black people could buy homes. Today, 80% of Black people own their homes in Altadena, which supersedes the national rate. 

“I feel like God put me here for a reason so I could grow. I was able to spread my wings. I found myself more joyful. My nervous system healed over here. The community, the peace that you fill over here…I don't want to have to leave Altadena. I can't even imagine living anywhere else.”

Throughout this time of distress and uncertainty, Parsons relies on her faith in God while obtaining temporary refuge and clothing donated by friends. Looking ahead, she hopes to one day call Altadena home, again.

“I hope to still be able to enjoy this beautiful city that I've grown to love and that we would just come back stronger and greater.”

She continues, “I just don't believe God takes anything away from you without giving you something better that's gonna serve you in that next season. Knowing that, I can smile, put on a dress and lip gloss because I know everything is gonna be okay.”

To help Parsons rebuild, please check out her GoFundMe.

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