Phoenix residents return after Almeda Fire tears through city

Matt Jordan September 9, 2020

Last Updated: September 10, 2020

Residents in Phoenix made their way back home to survey the damage after the almeda fire tore through the city.

The destruction was seemingly random, with some buildings, like the Ray’s Market and Phoenix High School unharmed, but nearby apartments and mobile home parks were completely destroyed.

Residents of the Samuel Lane neighborhood returned after leaving with little more than the clothes they had on their backs.

“So many people reaching out saying, if you need anything, offering of help and truly heartfelt kindnesses coming, saying I’m so sorry, it warms your heart, people are whats important, not the stuff,” said Angela Vermillion.

The City of Phoenix was under a level 3 evacuation at the time. Fire officials advise residents to wait for the all clear before returning to their homes.

Matt Jordan September 9, 2020

Matt Jordan

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Matt Jordan is the Chief Meteorologist for KOBI-TV NBC5. Matt joined the NBC5 weather team in 2014 after a year as a reporter and anchor in Alexandria, Louisiana. His experience with the severe weather of the Deep South and a love of the Pacific Northwest led him to pursue a certification with Mississippi State University as a Broadcast Meteorologist. You can find Matt working in the evenings of NBC5 News at 5, 6 and 11 as well as online. Matt also has a degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon. In addition to being passionate about news and weather, Matt is a BIG Oregon Ducks fan. When not rooting for the Ducks or tracking down the next storm over the Pacific, Matt can be found outdoors in the Oregon wilderness with his wife, his daughter and their dogs Stanley and Gordi.