Steele faces battle to rebuild beekeeping business lost to LA fires

The destruction of Nancy Steele and her family’s honey business was featured in the Guardian with compelling before and after photos and interviews. They face an uphill battle to rebuild after losing 30 years of producing honey with 188 hives. 

“This will be my 49th year as a beekeeper,” Nancy’s husband Bruce, told the Guardian. “I’ve had fire losses in the past, but nothing like this.” The couple started Chaparral Mountain Honey Company in the early 1980s. “I fell in love with the bees, maybe even a little bit before I fell in love with Bruce,” said Nancy.

The story continues, “Since 1996, their home had served as the heart of their operation, with 188 hives spread across their property, as well as the nearby artist ranch and surrounding mountains. Nature was what drew the couple to this particular quarter of Los Angeles. When they talk about their neighbors, they are also referring to the great horned owls, the mountain lions and the foxes that the Steeles, both diehard environmentalists, have spent their lives protecting.” 

Read more to learn more and see the slider images showing their home and business before and after the fire.