Woman Loses Family Home of Three Generations in L.A. Fires: 'Losing This House Was Like Losing My Grandma' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Kyoko TikTok.Photo:Kyoko

Kyoko

In the wake of the devastating Eaton fire that swept through Altadena, Calif., 32-year-old Kyoko took to TikTok to document her harrowing experience when she found out her home had burned in the tragedy, like those of so many others within the community.

“This was my childhood home that I was born in,” Kyoko exclusively tells PEOPLE. “I was born and raised in that home.” Her house, which she shared with her mother, Kimberly, was more than just a structure but a place full of memories spanning three generations.

The loss of this family homestead has hit Kyoko and Kimberly particularly hard. “I lost things that were sentimental to me like my front door that has all of my height growing up,” Kyoko shares. “I was looking forward to preserving it for my kids if we renovated the house.”

The night of the evacuation was frightening. Kimberly, Kyoko’s mother, was alone in the house when the order to leave came at 2 a.m. With the power out and time running short, she could only grab essential documents and a few necessities. “Some of her regrets were not grabbing pictures and more things because this has never happened before to us. We never had to seriously evacuate,” Kyoko explains through tears.

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The realization that their home was gone came the next morning, when she documented it on TikTok. “It was really hard,” Kyoko shares. “I hate seeing my mom cry.” The fire not only consumed their home but also ravaged their tight-knit community.

Remembering her grandmother, who played a big part in building that tight-knit community, Kyoko feels like this loss is deeper than losing material possessions. “Losing this house was like losing her — a big piece of her actually.”

Kyoko’s home before the fire.Kyoko

Throughout the ordeal, acceptance has been the most challenging aspect of the tragedy.

“I take pride in my neighborhood. I enjoyed walking around it so much," Kyoko says. “So to think that not just my home is gone, but my community. I have a whole community that’s just gone. It’s unbelievable.”

While Kyoko deals with the aftermath of this tragedy, she has found unexpected peace in the outpouring of support from her local community and strangers across the globe.

Kyoko’s home after the fire.Kyoko

“My biggest takeaway is my faith in humanity,” she says. Through TikTok, Kyoko has been able to share her story and connect with others who have offered comfort, resources and financial support through aGoFundMe campaign.

As Kyoko and Kimberly navigate this difficult time, they lean on each other and the kindness of their community. “I find comfort in the community rallying together for everybody. It just reminds me of God and the goodness of people.”

Click hereto learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

source: people.com