Thousands of residents in Los Angeles County have lost their homes to devastating wildfires, including at least 12 firefighters who have also been affected. Among them are Charles Hawes and Chien Yu, firefighters with the Pasadena Fire Department, who continue to serve their communities despite facing personal tragedies. The California Fire Foundation has stepped in to provide much-needed emotional and financial assistance to these heroes and their families.
Charles Hawes witnessed the destruction of his own home while battling flames just a minute away from his parents' residence. He described the experience as surreal.
"It was kind of like a fever dream where just everything was on fire." – Charles Hawes
Hawes lived in the house with his 2-year-old son, Liam. Despite the loss, he continues to fight multiple active fires in Los Angeles County and Ventura County, including the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Auto Fire. The emotional toll of seeing his home in flames left him feeling helpless.
"I felt so helpless… we're supposed to be fixers in this job, and that wasn't the case that night." – Charles Hawes
Chien Yu, a fire engineer with the Pasadena Fire Department, also lost his home in the wildfires. He managed to salvage his wedding ring, a sentimental item amidst the devastation. Yu expressed deep regret about not being able to save more from his home.
"Maybe I shouldn't have gone to work, you know? Maybe I should have stayed and tried to fight it, grab more stuff," – Chien Yu
Yu, who lived with his wife Kim and their two sons, Hudson and Atticus, found their home reduced to ashes.
"So we came up, and it was gone. It was burned to the ground." – Chien Yu
Despite their personal losses, Hawes and Yu are steadfast in their commitment to serving their community. The California Fire Foundation is supporting them, with Planet Fitness and its Los Angeles franchise donating $100,000 and Uber Eats and Postmates contributing $500,000 in vouchers for essential items.
Both firefighters have stressed the importance of community support during these testing times.
"Unfortunately, I don't think you really have an opportunity to just kind of roll over and give up with this job. We have a duty to serve the community," – Charles Hawes
