An Altadena family, led by Deisy Suarez-Giles, fled the rapidly advancing Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County early Wednesday morning. Returning the following day, they were heartbroken to find their home reduced to ashes. Despite the devastating loss, Suarez-Giles' two young sons found a glimmer of hope amidst the debris, recovering a few of their beloved toys.
Ironically, the family had moved to Altadena from downtown Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic to escape the dangers of civil unrest and arson attempts on their previous residence, which was located above a pharmacy. Suarez-Giles, a seasoned entrepreneur, recounted the terrifying experience of putting out a fire set by rioters, fearing for the safety of her then six-month-old son, Lucas. This harrowing experience prompted the family's move to what they hoped would be a safer community.
Deisy Suarez-Giles and her family stand in front of the remains of their home. (Deisy Suarez-Giles)
The family had initially been aware of the fire's presence on Tuesday but hesitated to evacuate. As the situation escalated and neighbors began moving livestock and belongings, the Suarez-Giles family decided to leave around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. Within three hours, their home was consumed by the flames. The urgency of the evacuation was particularly distressing for the children, Henry and Lucas, who were abruptly woken and rushed to safety.
The family surveys the destruction left by the Eaton Fire. (Deisy Suarez-Giles)
Young Henry, clutching the few salvaged toys, bravely recounted the events to a reporter, expressing his sadness over the loss of his cherished possessions, including a 3D printer. Suarez-Giles described the escalating panic as the power went out and the fire approached, with Lucas becoming increasingly frightened. Henry, however, displayed remarkable courage, assisting his family in preparing for their escape.
The remnants of the Suarez-Giles home after the fire. (Deisy Suarez-Giles)
A teacher who rented a room in the Suarez-Giles home narrowly escaped the flames, having underestimated the fire's rapid advance. Henry, determined to understand the extent of the damage, returned to the site with his father, poignantly noting the destruction of the chimney where Santa Claus once visited. The Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia fires have collectively scorched over 35,000 acres, tragically claiming at least 11 lives, according to Los Angeles County officials.
