CAMARILLO, Calif. — Al and Phyllis Nordquist lived in the same home on Garrido Drive for 53 years.
It’s where the couple raised their three kids and became empty nesters, grandparents and then great-grandparents.
“It was just so peaceful. We thought this is where we want to spend the rest of our life,” said Phyllis, 87.
But all of it was gone within minutes when the Mountain Fire tore through their neighborhood. The couple rushed to evacuate after a neighbor alerted them that the flames were closing in on their home.
“I said, ‘Well, let me get my Volvo out,’” Al, 89, recalled. “He said, ‘No.’ He says, ‘Now. It’s going to hit.’ And he was right.”
The Mountain Fire in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles, started Nov. 6 and rapidly grew to nearly 20,000 acres because of winds. On Monday, it was 98% contained, officials said.
Before it was under control, thousands of residents were forced to evacuate and more than 200 structures, including the Nordquists' home, were destroyed.
Nearly all of couple's possessions were reduced to ashes.
“Basically, it was our life. Our whole life is right here where we lived,” Al said, standing outside what was left of his property.
Phyllis said: “I didn’t think, well, what would be left or not be left. I just was hoping whatever was left, at least, that we’d have pictures or something.”
They were shocked to return home and discover one thing untouched among the rubble: a single bookshelf containing one of their most important possessions — their wedding album.
The fire spared irreplaceable photos from the day they married in 1961, a day Al calls “the best day of my life.”
“I mean, we were young and in love and the rest of it just didn’t matter to me,” he said. “I had her, and I got the prize.”
For Phyllis, the album is a symbol of the life they started together 63 years ago.
And now, in their late 80s, it’s a symbol yet again as they rebuild.
“That was our beginning, and now we’re experiencing a new beginning,” she said.
The couple say their faith, love and community — including beloved neighbors who started a fundraiser to help them get back on their feet — will get them through.
“For some reason, I have great peace in my heart and excitement for what’s to come in the future,” Phyllis said.
“It’s a place God provided for us,” Al said. “And we’re extremely happy to be here and to still own the property and be able to rebuild.”