The recent fires that ravaged Altadena, California, have left a trail of destruction in a community with deep roots and a rich history.

According to Pastor George Hurtt, most of New Revelation’s parishioners live in Altadena. The city is home to a historic Black population whose ancestors fled the Jim Crow system of racial segregation in the South decades ago, with hopes of homeownership in California.

After authorities reopened parts of Altadena for the first time since the Eaton fire, residents returned to a grim checkerboard of destroyed homes next to others that were largely spared.

Aerial drone footage shows the burnt landscape of Altadena, California after fire crews were able to contain a big portion of the Eaton Fire, one of several wildfires that displaced Los Angeles County residents in January.