In the midst of the raging wildfires that have impacted Southern California, a heart-pounding story of resilience and determination unfolded in Altadena. Derrick Collins, a dedicated custom lowrider and hydraulics fabricator, found himself in the thick of the disaster, doing everything in his power to save his beloved 1959 Impala Convertible and cherished Chevy collection. Armed with only a garden hose and sheer grit, he fought to protect his home and cars as the firestorm approached.
In a gripping video he posted online, Collins is seen working tirelessly to spray water on his property, even as the neighboring house is engulfed in flames. The intense heat, and thick smoke, were no match for his resolve as he stood with a few close friends, all doing their part to save what they could. The fire was unrelenting, but Collins wasn’t ready to give up without a fight.
His home, surrounded by other burning structures, seemed like it might be the next target. But in a stroke of luck, or perhaps sheer perseverance, Collins managed to keep the flames at bay. Later that night, in a post on social media, he expressed deep gratitude to those who had reached out in support, saying, “THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR REACHING OUT AND KEEPING US IN YOUR PRAYERS… we managed to save the house and cars… a few small fires in the street due to open gas meters/valves. No gas or electricity. WE ARE SAFE AND SOUND.”
The heartfelt update brought relief to friends, family, and the wider community, who had been anxiously following the situation. Collins’ collection of classic cars, including the iconic 59 Impala, had been at the heart of his custom car-building business, and the thought of losing them was almost unbearable.
