Ep 9. Paradise: Out of the Ashes
- February 8, 2020
- 23 min
In the episode Paradise: Out of the Ashes of This Old House season 41, the team travels to Paradise, California, where they work on rebuilding homes destroyed by the deadly 2018 Camp Fire. The fire, which burned for over two weeks, destroyed thousands of homes and claimed 85 lives. The team meets with homeowners who are still coping with the aftermath of the disaster and trying to rebuild their lives.
The first home the team works on is a 1940s bungalow that was completely destroyed in the fire. The team must start from scratch and work to create a new foundation and frame for the rebuild. They also work to make the new home more fire-resistant, with features such as a metal roof and fire-resistant siding.
Next, the team works on a larger home that survived the fire but was badly damaged. The homeowners want to add on to the existing structure, so the team must work to create a solid foundation that can support the weight of the new addition. They also work to salvage as much of the existing structure as possible, while also making updates to ensure the home is more energy-efficient and safe from future fires.
Throughout the episode, the team faces challenges such as unpredictable weather and delays in materials due to the high demand in the area. However, they persevere and work to give the homeowners a sense of hope and a new beginning.
The episode also focuses on the community of Paradise and the efforts to rebuild the town. The team meets with local officials and business owners who are working to bring back the town's shops and restaurants, and provide resources for those who lost everything in the fire.
Overall, Paradise: Out of the Ashes is a powerful episode that showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. The team at This Old House works tirelessly to rebuild homes and give people a fresh start, while also shining a light on the need for fire-resistant building practices and resources for communities dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster.
