Fire ripped through several townhomes in San Jose on Friday, June 23, 2023. One of those houses belonged to the parents of Officer Brenda Ayala. Her parents bought the home in 1996 and raised their children there.

Dad, José, works as a janitor and mom, Eva, works as a caregiver for in-home support services. Eva is also the primary caregiver for her brother, Brenda's Uncle Oscar, who suffers from a disability.

The fire broke out while José was at work. Eva and Uncle Oscar just barely escaped to safety. To add to the already painful loss of their home and all their belongings, the fire also destroyed countless decorations for Brenda's sister's wedding, scheduled for next month. This should be a time of joy and excitement, but instead, it has become a time of difficulty and uncertainty.

This fire is being investigated as Arson. Officer Ayala is a member of our Milpitas Police family. Her family is our family. Prayers and support, in any form, are greatly appreciated.