Introduction

In a powerful segment on *The View* aired Thursday morning, ABC News reporter Matt Gutman left both the hosts and the audience in awe when he shared that he was reporting live from the ashes of his aunt's home, which was destroyed in a devastating fire in the Pacific Palisades area. The fire, which has been raging for three days, has left widespread destruction and dismay among the community.

The Devastating Scene

Situated just off Sunset Boulevard, Gutman took viewers through the somber scene of burnt remains. He meticulously described the extent of the devastation and relayed information gathered from brave first responders who have been tirelessly working to combat the wildfires.

Firefighting Efforts

When co-host Sara Haines inquired about the duration of the firefighting efforts, Gutman responded, “They think that they’re going to be just here in the Palisades for a number of weeks. They don’t know how many, but they know that there are going to be hot spots embedded in trees.” He gestured towards a nearby charred tree, emphasizing the lingering danger. “We can’t see it, but I can feel the heat emanating from this house, which actually happens to be my aunt’s house, who lost everything here, like so many people in this part of L.A.”

Emotional Connection

His emotional admission prompted a collective gasp from the studio audience as the gravity of the situation sunk in. Fortunately, Gutman revealed that his aunt was out of town when the fire broke out, and his family was safe from harm.

Whoopi Goldberg's Connection

Interestingly, the location resonated with Whoopi Goldberg, who once lived nearby. She connected with Gutman by referencing Gelson's, a local supermarket chain, illustrating how close the issue hit to home for her. She emphasized her long-standing ties to the area, noting, "I lived there forever," before relocating to New York, where the show is filmed.

The Larger Context

This wildfires incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects climate change and extreme weather patterns can have on families and communities. As the flames continue to rage and the community grapples with loss, Gutman’s heartfelt reporting sheds light on the human side of the tragedy.

Conclusion

For those interested, you can catch the full emotional segment of *The View* in the accompanying video above.