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nita Verma-Lallian, the new owner of Matthew Perry's Pacific Palisades home, is breathing a sigh of relief after her property narrowly escaped devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles this week. The real estate developer purchased the four-bedroom, five-bathroom home for $8.55 million in an off-market deal nearly a year after Perry's overdose-related death.

    Verma-Lallian had intended to use the property as a vacation retreat for her Scottsdale-based family, but just days into the new year, disaster struck. Wildfires ravaged the affluent enclave, leaving Verma-Lallian feeling helpless and powerless as she watched live maps show her street engulfed in flames.

    "I felt so helpless not knowing what was happening and not being able to do anything," she said. "We didn't even have access to local news; we were watching national news, but we couldn't tell what had happened to the house."

    Miraculously, the property emerged largely unscathed, sustaining only minor damage in the backyard thanks to quick action by local residents. Verma-Lallian praised her new community for their support and generosity during this harrowing experience.

    "The community has been amazing, very welcoming," she said. "Neighbors have checked on the property for us, and they've sent updates about everything that is going on, which has been so helpful."

    The fires were a sobering reality check for Verma-Lallian, who didn't consider Pacific Palisades a high-risk area for wildfires. Authorities have warned it could take up to a week before residents are allowed back into the area to fully assess the damage.

    "We don't know for sure when we can go back," Verma-Lallian said. "As soon as we can, we will jump on a plane and get back there." Despite the uncertainty, Verma-Lallian is inspired by the resilience and generosity of her neighbors.