A tiny piece of gold emerged from the wreckage of a Southern California wildfire, giving one family a rare measure of relief after losing their home.
While searching through the remains of a burned house in Simi Valley, firefighters found a Boyle family wedding ring in the ashes, according to NBC4.
Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department Engine 85 were combing through the remains of the Boyle family's home after it was destroyed in the Sandy Fire when they made the discovery.
The fire started on May 18, spread into a neighborhood in the area northwest of Los Angeles, and drew help from agencies across California. The Ventura County Fire Department later shared photos on X of the Boyle family, firefighters, and the recovered ring.
Wedding ring found by LAFD Firefighters in home destroyed byon the Sandy Fire:
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) May 22, 2026
Los Angeles Fire Department Engine 85 assigned to the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley came to the aid of the Boyle family whose home was destroyed by the fire.
Firefighters sifted through burned out… pic.twitter.com/eJERHzE8wO
According to The Fresno Bee, the Sandy Fire is now 100% contained after burning 2,183 acres in 10 days.
Authorities had not officially determined the cause of the blaze. However, police said a person using a tractor for brush clearance reported that the machinery may have struck a rock, possibly creating sparks that started the fire. With the incredibly dry conditions across California, it doesn't take much to start a big fire.
Enjoy your best summer vacation yet with 15% off your next stay With Hilton, you can find a hotel that matches your mood — whether you’re recharging at the beach, exploring natural beauty, or traveling with your crew. Enjoy vibrant summers in Hawaii, weekend trips in major cities, and even extended itineraries at adventurous sites like Moab’s desert canyons. Plus, save up to 15% during Hilton’s summer sale until June 1st. |
Low snowpack and drought conditions, compounded by an already warming climate, have fueled intense fires, with more than 2 million acres burned this year. That's about twice the 10-year average and the highest total in 14 years.
"The Boyle family has expressed their incredible gratitude to VCFD and all of the firefighters from around California who responded to this incident," the Ventura County Fire Department said.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
Cool Picks
