As the flames tore through the district, the city seemed to hold its breath. Families gathered at windows and balconies, watching the orange glare stain the night. In the distance, the relentless wail of sirens blended with the crackle of burning roofs and the thud of helicopters circling overhead. For many, it felt less like a single fire and more like a moment that split “before” and “after.” Continue reading…
