Instagram story viewer> @outofthefirela> Posts

“The 25 Families Mission”

@outofthefirela

167

followers

82

following

Restoring control, comfort and community to families displaced by the LA fires: one kitchen at time. Beginning with those of LAFD/LACoFD

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Sometimes, when you least expect it, life delivers a little something to celebrate:

On July 1st, we learned the story of LAFD firefighter Captain I Daniel Lievense…

While battling the Hurst wildfire on January 6th, Dan received word from his wife and son, James, that the Eaton fire was approaching their home.

At 5:00am on January 7th, James called back: a house across the street was on fire and he would evacuate his mother, younger brother, and grandmother. Upon relief of his shift, Lievense raced home and was met by his older brother (an LAFD engineer) and James with a borrowed hose from a local fire station.

After 24 hours of fighting, the Lievense brothers and James saved four neighboring homes (as far as their hose would reach) and stopped the fire’s spread, rescuing an additional 10 houses and 2 apartment buildings.

Dan’s house was saved too, but as he worked that day much of what made it “home”—a beautiful backyard and outdoor kitchen—was lost to flames.

With July 4th approaching we thought of how hard it would be to miss out on the simple pleasure of throwing some dogs on the grill for our families, and jumped to order a new BBQ for the Lievenses.

Sadly, we found our delivery date would come too late… We weren’t able to act quickly enough and wrote to Dan to tell him the BBQ was on the way, but he wouldn’t have it for the 4th.

And then, “Christmas” came early. On July 3rd, a week ahead of schedule, Dan received his new BBQ. On the 4th, he, his family and friends got to share just a little bit of their lives back for the holiday, and wrote us this note:

“In the midst of everything we have been through, your kindness and support brought us not only a sense of normalcy, but also a reason to gather outside and share a few much-needed moments together as a family using the new BBQ.

Your gift means a lot and is a reminder of the strength and compassion that exists within our community. It has almost been 6 months since the devastating Eaton fire and we appreciate not being forgotten about.”

We thank our community for enabling us to make little differences like this one. And we thank the Lievense family for their bravery and leadership. taken in Altadena, CA by @outofthefirela

40

1

a year ago

Can our community become a place where no one is left behind… no one?

The last six months have tested us, today continues to, but we believe that it can, that it must.

When we show up for each other, like we did two Sundays ago at @oybarla (our first fundraiser for Out of the Fire Los Angeles) it can happen before our eyes, and in our hearts.

Our mission at OOTFLA is not just to return families displaced by January’s wildfires to a state of normalcy and comfort—through furnishing kitchens and putting food on the table— it is to strengthen the bonds that tie us to one another, to reach out our hands, to create more…

We arrived as disparate groups of human beings: friends of the restaurant, friends of our OOTFLA team, firefighters, sponsors, and more…

We left, feeling at home with one another: strangers felt more like family.

We were reminded, of how good life can be when we work together, for each other, neighbors looking after neighbors.

We left hopeful for tomorrow, with more than “a sunny view that everything will turn out alright: believing that [we] have the will and the way to accomplish” our collective goals.

Our work is just getting started for LA . We’ll speak more about this soon… For now, we honor any and all uprooted from their homes, and offer our outstretched arms to them.

📸 @devinberko

*If you missed our event, donations can be made via the link in our bio. by @outofthefirela

409

12

a year ago

Don’t forget to join us this Sunday! Details available through the link in our bio. by @outofthefirela

103

2

a year ago

Join us Sunday, June 1st at Oybar in Studio City for Grillin’ with LA Firefighters.

Chefs and Out of the Fire LA are teaming up with LA firefighters to grill up oysters, shrimp, chicken, pork and more!

All proceeds benefit LAFD families who’ve been impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Visit GiveButter.com/OyBarBeCue for more information (link in bio) taken in OyBar by @outofthefirela

105

2

a year ago

Proud to share this inspiring story of resilience and community. Strauss was already building Out of the Fire, a nonprofit dedicated to helping displaced families feed themselves, when he and Chef @aronpobereskin joined forces to expand their impact. With the support of city and county fire departments, they identified firefighter families in need—ensuring those who risked everything for us are not forgotten. Read more about their incredible work in the article below. ❤️ #OutOfTheFire #CommunityFirst #LAFireRelief #StrongerTogether by @outofthefirela

186

14

2 years ago

Honored to share this powerful story about the impact of the 25 Families Initiative and the incredible work being done to support those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. Huge thanks to Chef @aronpobereskin , @jeffs___table and everyone involved in bringing hope and nourishment to those in need. Read the full article in our links. ❤️ #CommunityFirst #25FamiliesInitiative #LAFireRelief #StrongerTogether by @outofthefirela

30

0

2 years ago

Our first project! “25 Families “ focuses on the firefighter families who lost their own homes while fighting to save ours. We are endlessly grateful for our incredible partners who have come together to support those impacted by the Los Angeles fires of 2025. In times of crisis, true compassion and unity shine through. Your generosity, dedication, and unwavering commitment are making a real difference. Thank you for standing with us to help rebuild and restore hope. ❤️ #StrongerTogether #LARecovery #CommunityFirst by @outofthefirela

16

1

2 years ago

Grateful beyond words for this incredible team, standing together to support those affected by the Los Angeles fires of 2025. In times of hardship, unity and compassion shine the brightest. Thank you to each and every person on this list for their dedication, resilience, and heart. Together, we make a difference. ❤️ #StrongerTogether #LARecovery #CommunityFirst by @outofthefirela

20

0

2 years ago

Rebuilding isn’t just about laying bricks and raising walls—it’s about finding the strength to start again, even when the road ahead feels overwhelming. It will take time, patience, and the unwavering support of a community that refuses to let anyone stand alone. It will take hands willing to help, hearts open to healing, and the belief that what was lost can be reimagined. To those rising from the Los Angeles fires, know this: you are not defined by what was taken, but by the courage it takes to rebuild. One step at a time, together, we will create something new. ❤️‍🔥 #EatonFireRecovery #palisadesfire #RebuildWithHope #StrongerTogether taken in Los Angeles, California by @outofthefirela

18

0

2 years ago

For Los Angeles, this will be a day that we never forget by @outofthefirela

13

0

2 years ago

As devastating fires spread through Los Angeles in early January 2025, our first-responders
fought the flames. While preserving and protecting our homes, many of them (and their
families) lost their own: at first count, twenty-five – the number we took to define our first mission.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more, and get involved.
#lastrong #lafd #lapd taken in Los Angeles, California by @outofthefirela

83

2

2 years ago