As strong winds pushed embers through their community, Gigi had to evacuate, narrowly escaping as homes across the street were destroyed.

Gigi managed to evacuate just before the roads became congested with fleeing motorists, finding refuge with a friend in Westwood.

Recent updates indicate that while Gigi was able to retrieve important belongings, the extent of the fire damage to their home remains unclear.

Dr. Small emphasizes the emotional toll of the disaster, noting that many in their community have lost homes, loved ones, and savings, which will likely necessitate counseling for recovery.

For several anxious days, the couple worried about the fate of their home, initially receiving a false report that it had burned down before learning it had miraculously survived.

The couple had purchased their home just six months prior as a future retirement residence, making the ordeal even more emotionally charged.

The wildfires have had devastating impacts, resulting in at least 24 fatalities, burning over 40,000 acres, and leading to the evacuation of more than 100,000 people, damaging over 12,000 structures.

Looking ahead, Small plans to fly to Los Angeles to assess the condition of their house, while acknowledging that the neighborhood will require significant rebuilding.

Having lived in California for most of his life, Small has evacuated from wildfires three times, which allows him to empathize deeply with his patients who are dealing with similar trauma.

Small's familiarity with California's natural disasters includes previous experiences with the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which caused significant loss of life and property.

On January 7, 2025, Dr. Gary Small and his wife, Gigi, faced an unexpected disruption when evacuation notices were issued due to wildfires threatening their Pacific Palisades home.

The recent wildfires have also taken a toll on Small's mental health, reflecting the broader impact of such disasters on individuals and communities.