Artist couple's mid-century family home of 60 years lost in Mountain Fire

Some homeowners in Ventura County are now getting a glimpse of what’s left of their property after the Mountain Fire charred nearly 21,000 acres, destroyed at least 132 structures and damaged 88 others.  

The wildfire, which is still burning, was only 5% contained as of Thursday evening.  

“Yesterday, we watched for three hours as it burned,” Tara Wallace, who lives in Camarillo Heights with her husband Brian Wallace, told KTLA. “It was a beautiful home with a beautiful view of a beautiful city and now it is ash.”  

Urgency of the wildfire, which prompted officials to evacuate more than 400 homes, has turned to resignation for many in the Camarillo Heights neighborhood where dozens of homes were completely lost to the flames.  

Both musicians, Brian pointed out where is recording studio used to be.  

The Wallace’s mid-century home had been in the family for more than 60 years, but much like other properties on Highland Drive and on Old Coach Drive, very little survived the fire.  

Brian and Tara lost all their instruments, their pottery studio and a tricked out classic Volvo.  

Amid the destruction, though, their pets miraculously survived.  

“We have two little chickens and they’re safe and sound right now in a garage,” Tara said.  

There were also others near the raging wildfire who were grateful their homes were spared. 

“Why ours? I don’t know. I’m grateful. I love my house, and I love living here, but I don’t know why,” a woman identified only as Kimberly told KTLA. “It’s just been devastating.”  

As for the Wallaces, they said that although their home is gone, they’re grateful that they have community to lean on.  

“We can’t do this alone,” Brian explained. “We can’t make music alone, can’t make art alone. This is our community.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to help the Wallaces as they work through this difficult time.  

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