The Suarez-Giles family, recently displaced by the ferocious Los Angeles County wildfires, returned to the ashes of their Altadena home, a scene of utter devastation. Ironically, their move to Altadena was prompted by a previous fire scare in their downtown LA apartment, situated above a Rite Aid targeted during the 2020 riots. Deisy-Suarez Giles, a determined entrepreneur and mother of two, recounted the terrifying experience of escaping their burning building with her then six-month-old son, Lucas. Driven by the need to protect her family, she and her husband worked tirelessly to secure what they believed would be a safe haven, only to find themselves facing another inferno. The loss of their hard-earned home, a symbol of security and stability, was a devastating blow.
The Eaton Fire, one of several raging across Los Angeles County, advanced rapidly, forcing the family to make a hasty escape in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Initially hesitant to evacuate despite witnessing neighbors fleeing and moving livestock, they eventually decided to wake their sons, Henry and Lucas, and seek refuge in their car. Just three hours later, their home was consumed by the flames. The terrifying experience left a profound impact on the children, particularly young Lucas, who was gripped by fear as his mother roused him from sleep, urging him to flee. Henry, while visibly distressed, displayed remarkable bravery, assisting his parents in gathering their belongings.
As the situation intensified, the power went out, amplifying the sense of urgency and fear. Lucas’ distress escalated, prompting his father to retrieve flashlights. Henry, demonstrating remarkable composure for his age, actively helped his parents prepare for their departure. The family remained in the house until around 11 pm, with Deisy-Suarez Giles staying awake to monitor the approaching fire while her weary sons finally succumbed to sleep. The family’s ordeal was further complicated by the presence of a teacher from Henry’s school, who was renting a room in their home. Unaware of the imminent danger, the teacher narrowly escaped the flames as they engulfed the house.
Returning to the charred remains of their home, Henry, clutching the only two surviving possessions, bravely recounted the horrifying events to a reporter. He lamented the loss of his cherished 3D printer and other beloved items, his innocent words conveying the profound impact of the fire, not only materially but emotionally. The destruction of familiar spaces, like the chimney “where Santa comes,” served as a poignant reminder of the shattered normalcy and the uncertainty of their future. The experience exposed the fragility of their hard-won stability and the devastating power of natural disasters.
The Eaton Fire, part of a larger complex of wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County, left a trail of devastation in its wake. Along with the Palisades, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia fires, over 35,000 acres have been scorched, and tragically, at least 11 lives have been lost. The Suarez-Giles family, along with countless others, are now grappling with the immense challenges of rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of this catastrophic event. Their story stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the urgent need for comprehensive wildfire preparedness and response strategies.
The Suarez-Giles family’s experience underscores the ripple effects of disasters, extending beyond the immediate physical damage. The fear, uncertainty, and emotional trauma experienced by the family, particularly the young children, highlight the need for comprehensive support systems for those impacted by such events. The loss of their home not only represents a material loss but also the shattering of a sense of security and stability. The family’s narrative serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of wildfires and the importance of community support and effective disaster management strategies to mitigate the impact on families and individuals.
