On July 1, 2024, at 5:30 am, I was making coffee and smelled something burning. I searched, looked around, and found the jacuzzi light was on fire (the jacuzzi was empty and unused). I grabbed and soaked a big towel, dropped it at the area of the fire. It subsided a little bit, but it continued burning. I ran to my child’s room, woke them up, and sent them outside to call 911. I turned off the circuit breaker and went back. I tried to hose it, but the fire spread fast. I ran to the backyard to lead my dogs away from the fire.

We were trapped in my backyard with my two dogs and horse. I was not able to free other pets - bird, rabbit, tarantula, quail, and chickens. I was talking to 911 to hurry, but they came about 45 minutes later. I saw the house was almost gone before they came. I was so scared for my child’s situation because we were apart and I didn’t know their condition. I was also worried that the fire might spread, but luckily it was contained and put out by the firefighters.

When I looked around, everything was burned out, including our four cars which only had liability insurance. I was brought by the medics to the ER for smoke inhalation, burned skin, and hair. It was a devastating experience knowing all the fruits of your labor are gone in an instant. Nothing was left, no ID, cards, money, or any forms of identification. We were still blessed that we were alive.

I’m on indefinite leave from my work and I’ve been out of work for 3 years in a row already due to my injuries. I’ve had left and right rotator cuff surgery and the doctor prescribed left wrist surgery for my carpal tunnel which I haven’t done yet. I’m still going through a lot of pain from my lower back, and my right hand is acting up due to overuse from a compensatory injury from my left hand. We have no means of transportation to process our identification, no money for fees to proceed. We didn’t even have an appetite to eat. We just rely on neighbors' clothing donations that didn’t fit us, but we are very thankful for their generosity.

I live in Menifee with my 2 children, one is employed but the other is enrolled online for a summer college course. They’re suffering from anxiety especially my student who lost all their books. They were scared to fail for missing their class. This child of mine also suffers from PTSD due to a few incidents in their childhood and the fire incident seems to have affected them greatly.

I am seeking help to sustain until we settle. We lost everything except our debts, bills, and all necessities that are ongoing. We have no means of paying. I needed funds to pay transportation going to & fro, processing ID’s, passport, paying fees, getting report, buying food, necessities, computer and paying bills for the time being. We do not have money to pay Dr’s appointment, secure prescription glasses, medication, therapy, etc. we didn’t have means to pay rent or buy underwear.

I started a business with my child and I withdrew my 401k just for the business. Unfortunately, that was also involved in the fire. It’s very devastating to see that all of the work we put into it is all gone. That was our line of work and because of that, we no longer have a source of income.

I am very grateful for all your generosity, help and prayers, that really meant a lot to us. Thank you very much and may God bless you all abundantly.

UPDATE:

Our insurance is at a minimum coverage which means cost to re-construct the house is way over the property value with this type of economy we have. The bank will not allow us to get the money in full and pay loans, it doesn’t work that way. It is a progress billing base on the output of the construction. We might end up put out of pocket money to complete construction. Hopefully that will not happen. Please pray for us.

For those others who easily judge.

Please widen your comprehension in our situation: “making so much money to become rich”. We already suffered a lot of anxiousness and depression on how we can put up our life together. Processing ID’s, passport, documentation and everything else regarding our identity cause a lot of money more than those who applied for the first time. I hope and pray that these devastating experiences will not happen to any one of you.