A Southern California family is devastated after several members of the same family all lost their homes to the Eaton Fire.
Spread out among eight homes, around 20 relatives of the Williams family lived within walking distance of each other.
As the Eaton Fire ignited on Jan. 7 and quickly spread to communities near Pasadena and beyond, the family evacuated and prepared for the worst.
Ellen Williams said amid the chaos, she went across the street to help her disabled neighbor as she saw flames quickly engulfing their neighborhood.
The extended family grabbed their belongings, got into their cars and headed to safety, scared of what the future would hold.
“You go outside and it’s just dark and swirling,” recalled Kim Williams. “There were no lights, no power, so we drove down very gingerly, but you knew it was bad.”
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The Williams family are now homeless after the Eaton fire destroyed eight homes belonging to several family members. (KTLA) -
All eight homes belonging to several members of the Williams family were destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Southern California on Jan. 8, 2025. (Williams Family) -
All eight homes belonging to several members of the Williams family were destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Southern California on Jan. 8, 2025. -
A before-and-after photo of one of the burned-down homes belonging to a member of the Williams family. -
A before-and-after photo of one of the burned-down homes belonging to a member of the Williams family. -
A before-and-after photo of one of the burned-down homes belonging to a member of the Williams family. -
All eight homes belonging to several members of the Williams family were destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Southern California on Jan. 8, 2025. (Williams Family)
As the fire blazed through the community and was eventually extinguished, the family was allowed to return to their neighborhood on Thursday to survey the damage.
Their worst nightmares came to life as all eight homes belonging to family members were completely destroyed by the blaze, with only rubble and debris left behind.
“It was really devastating to see the place that I grew up in not there anymore,” said Brayden Williams.
“It’s absolutely surreal,” said Ellen Williams. “Like nothing you could ever imagine, not just personally but for the community that we’ve been in for over 50 years. It just felt like being in a war. This was my property and yet the only thing standing is a [metal] gate.”
The family remains devastated as they slowly work to rebuild their lives. Although everything they owned is now gone, they were mostly relieved that nobody was hurt or killed.
“I’m thankful that we all got out safe,” said Krystal Williams. “I’m thankful that we’re all together and here to support one another.”
Several GoFundMe pages to help the family rebuild can be found here:
