The Eaton Fire ravaged California, scorching over 14,100 acres and leaving a trail of destruction by consuming more than 7,100 structures. Among those affected was Chloe Garcia and her partner, Giovanni Figueroa, who lost their cherished home in the inferno. The couple’s residence, known as the “Dodger houseforever home,” succumbed to the flames within a mere six hours. At the time of the disaster, Garcia was seven months pregnant, adding an additional layer of complexity and urgency to their situation.
On January 7, Garcia was at work when she received a call from Figueroa informing her that their home had lost power. Initially, they believed they could return to retrieve essential items. However, their plans were abruptly altered when Chloe's cousin and neighbor, Alex, called to warn them that evacuation was imperative.
"As we turned the corner, I could see flames just going and I was like, that is right next to our home, if it's not our home," – Chloe Garcia
The couple was forced to leave in the dead of night, hastily gathering belongings for what they anticipated would be a short stay in nearby Glendale. Unfortunately, they could only pack enough for an overnight visit. By the time they reached their home, it was too late; they could only watch helplessly as their home became engulfed in flames.
"We can't go in. We can't go in. This is terrifying." – Chloe Garcia
Garcia's family has deep roots in Altadena, having lived there for generations. The fire wreaked havoc not only on her immediate family but also on many of her relatives who lost their homes and possessions. Now living with a relative in Marina Del Rey, Garcia is striving to maintain her health in the final weeks of her pregnancy. Her baby is due on March 28, and preparations for their child had already begun before the fire struck.
"There's so many things to process. I've just found it helpful to list everything and anything just to figure out how to get through every day," – Chloe Garcia
The daunting task of rebuilding looms ahead for Garcia and Figueroa. Despite the challenges, Chloe remains resilient and hopeful. She humorously reflects on the situation with her family, envisioning the story they will one day share with their child about overcoming adversity.
"When you've lost everything, all you can do is rebuild, and I keep laughing with people and with my family, telling them that we're going to have one hell of a story to tell my baby." – Chloe Garcia
Garcia acknowledges the multi-faceted nature of her loss, encompassing not only material possessions but also cherished memories and a sense of security.
"The thing that's been most challenging for me is that it's a multi-loss," – Chloe Garcia
