East Valley Family Faces Heartbreak as 58-Year-Old Grandparents’ Home is Consumed by Eaton Fire

Brenna Elias described a harrowing escape as her grandfather and cousin narrowly avoided tragedy amidst the devastating California fires. Their family home in Altadena, California, which stood for 58 years, was engulfed in flames on January 8.

“Everything was just gone,” Elias recounted, recalling that her grandfather and cousin had been residing in the home when disaster struck. An aunt rushed to assist them in evacuating, recognizing that both men were dependent on dialysis. Time was of the essence.

During the chaotic exit, her grandfather fell and sustained serious injuries, specifically breaking three ribs. Their path to safety was obstructed by fallen trees, forcing them to leave their vehicles behind.

“They escaped with only the clothes on their backs,” Elias said, emphasizing the emotional weight of their loss as they carried with them the ashes of family members who had passed away.

Elias expressed concern for her grandfather, who is still coping with the deaths of his wife and daughter in 2022. “He keeps asking if we can retrieve items from the house,” she noted. Her father, Jared Bell, described the situation as heart-wrenching; he is focused on providing support during this challenging chapter of their lives.

Shannon Bell, Elias’ mother, reflected on her father-in-law’s dedication to their home over the years. He was a building inspector who invested significant effort into expanding their living space, creating a cherished family environment.

In light of their losses, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid in rebuilding their lives. “My grandpa has yet to see the damage, and I fear for his health as he processes this loss,” Elias added. “Time is crucial for us right now.”