Family loses homes, businesses in Eaton Fire, marking 4 generations of hard work being burned down
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - Ashes are all that remain of much of the Sayegh family’s homes and businesses in Altadena after the devastating Eaton Fire tore through their neighborhood, destroying four generations of hard work.
"We lost four homes, we lost EZ Stop, which is the liquor store, Lindsey’s Liquor, Brake Masters. We lost four apartment buildings, and this got smoke damage completely," said Hannan Sayegh, standing inside her business, Power Bail Bonds. "We lived on one block, and now my family — we’re separated."
The large extended family watched in horror as the fire consumed nearly everything they had built over the last 50-plus years. When flames reached Hannan’s backyard, they scrambled to escape.
"I ran down to grab a hose, my son Rock goes, ‘Mom! Get in the car, grab Grandma and Grandpa — the backyard is on fire — get the hell out!’" Hannan said. "A fire truck drove by. We ran to it and said, ‘Please, please, can you help us put this fire out?!’ You know what they said? ‘I’m sorry, we have no water. We can only save lives.’ And they drove away."
Thankfully, they all made it out unharmed. The home of Hannan’s son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren, located on the border of Altadena and Pasadena, was spared. But days later, it became the target of looters, which they were able to see via a neighbor’s security camera.
"She came back, and she started to break in," said Liliana Sayegh, who had evacuated with her family. "The neighbors called the police, the police came by, and she was arrested. I feel blessed, but at the same time, seeing this — I just can’t fathom that we’re going through our darkest times, and someone wants to take advantage of that," she said, holding her 3-year-old daughter.
The National Guard has been stationed throughout the burn area, while donation centers have popped up to assist those affected.
"We’re the only halal store in the 14 cities around us," said Muhammad Akhtar, owner of EZ Halal Meat and Grocery. Despite the destruction, he’s doing what he can to help. "There’s so many people that we know that are normal customers that lost their houses. In times of need like this, we have to be there and support them." He added that many in the community require special diets, including halal meats, so he is doing his best to serve them.
For the Sayegh family and others who lost everything, rebuilding will be a long and arduous journey.
"My crying hours are from 6 to 8 in the morning. At 8 o’clock, I’ve got to get up and get to work," said Hannan Sayegh. "I’m going to rebuild my business, my son’s business, my brother’s law firm, my sister’s business. We’re going to rebuild our homes. We’re going to rebuild our community."
To donate to the Sayegh family, below are ways you can help:
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-a-family-through-eaton-fire
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-rocky-and-mike-bring-life-back