PASADENA, CA – A devastating blaze has left a Pasadena family without a home and mourning the loss of their cherished pet. The fire, ignited by a homeless man, tore through their residence on a seemingly ordinary Wednesday afternoon, reducing their lives to ashes.
The incident occurred on July 31, around midday, while the family’s children were enjoying a day at a water park. Their father, busy at his coffee truck nearby, was alerted by a frantic neighbor. Despite his desperate attempts, he couldn’t rescue their cat, Oreo, who had been a comforting presence during the pandemic.
The family, tenants of a historic home, watched helplessly as flames consumed their belongings. Now, the charred remnants of their possessions lie scattered, a somber testament to their loss. Yet, they are pressing on, buoyed by the kindness of their church and community.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, and based on eyewitness accounts, apprehended a homeless man with apparent mental health issues. The suspect confessed to starting the fire, leaving the family to grapple with the senseless destruction of their home.
Amid the ruins, small signs of hope emerge. The father shared a poignant discovery: his son’s artwork, left on a kitchen table, survived the inferno. This unexpected preservation offers a glimmer of hope as they face the daunting task of rebuilding.
Support from the Red Cross and a local food bank is providing immediate relief, while a GoFundMe page has been set up to aid in their recovery. The family dreams of returning to their home, which also includes two smaller units that suffered smoke and water damage.
In the face of such adversity, the family’s faith and the outpouring of community support are their guiding lights.