CBS News Team Breaks Into a Burning House to Save 3 Dogs from LA Wildfires

On January 7, 2025, as the Palisades fires ravaged Los Angeles, Andrea and Sixuan Pasinetti found themselves away from their home. Andrea was in San Francisco for professional obligations, while Sixuan was traveling internationally. They had arranged for a dogsitter to look after their three pets—Alma, Archie, and Hugo—but the sitter was unable to reach their residence due to road closures. The flames advanced swiftly towards their neighborhood on Lachman Lane, placing the dogs in grave danger.

In a desperate effort to save his beloved pets, Andrea quickly booked a flight back to Los Angeles. “The flight into [Los Angeles] was incredibly challenging because we had no information,” Andrea shared in an emotional interview with CBS News. A friend met him at the airport with blankets and fire-retardant supplies, ready for a daring rescue mission. However, as they neared the house, law enforcement roadblocks obstructed their path. “It’s a feeling of helplessness and devastation,” Andrea reflected. “You want to hold onto hope, but you also brace for the worst.”

While Andrea devised his next steps, Sixuan kept a close watch on the fire coverage on television. She noticed CBS News reporter Jonathan Vigliotti reporting near Palisades Charter High School, which was close to their home. The couple decided to reach out, first tweeting at the reporter and then contacting his colleague, CBS News producer Christian Duran. Their message successfully reached Jonathan, who, along with Christian, promptly agreed to help.

When the CBS team arrived at the Pasinetti residence, the situation was critical. The property was engulfed in flames, and they did not have a key for entry. With Andrea’s approval, they prepared to break windows if necessary. The presence of three rescue dogs, each with pre-existing anxiety, complicated the rescue efforts. Alma was located near the entrance, while Hugo had taken refuge beneath a bed.

Jonathan and Christian successfully rescued Alma by covering her with a blanket to calm her anxiety. They then turned their attention to finding Archie and Hugo. By lifting the bed in the main bedroom, they managed to retrieve Hugo. Andrea later learned that the house had been entirely engulfed in flames just hours after the rescue.

“I have never felt such a combination of joy, relief, exhaustion, despair, and gratitude,” Andrea reflected. “The selflessness and courage they displayed in saving the dogs truly represent the best of humanity.” He expressed deep gratitude not only to Jonathan and Christian but also to the firefighters and first responders who committed themselves to protecting lives and property during the crisis.

Andrea shared a touching photograph with his dogs, thanking the CBS team for their heroic efforts in “keeping our family together.” Jonathan later recounted, “We almost chose not to go. We mistakenly thought the house and the dogs would be safe.”

The Palisades fires caused extensive devastation. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported 177 wildfires in the area, burning over 40,000 acres, destroying thousands of structures, and resulting in 24 fatalities.

Amidst this disaster, the rescue of the Pasinetti dogs serves as a beacon of hope and highlights the extraordinary capacity for courage and compassion inherent in humanity.