“He Tried to Save Our Home” – Eaton Fire Victim’s Sister Speaks Out

Reports have revealed more details about the California wildfires, including the death of a man named Victor Shaw and other tragedies.

Victor Shaw, a 66-year-old man, died in the Eaton Fire. His family found him on the roadside near their home with a garden hose in his hand. He had been trying to save the house from the flames.

Victor’s sister, Shari, said she tried to convince him to leave with her on January 7, 2025, as the fire got closer. However, Victor, who had health problems that made it hard for him to move, stayed behind to fight the fire.

Shari explained that when she called out for her brother as she fled, he didn’t answer. She had to leave to save herself as the house started burning.

A family friend, Al Tanner, found Victor’s body the next morning. He said Victor had been trying to protect the home, which had been in the family for 55 years.

Shari shared her pain with reporters, saying she couldn’t bear to look at her brother’s body. She said Victor appeared peaceful when he was found. His body remained on the property because it was too dangerous for officials to retrieve it.

The Eaton Fire, which has burned 10,600 acres, is still under investigation. It is one of several wildfires causing destruction in Los Angeles.

The Palisades Fire is the largest, burning 17,234 acres and destroying around 1,000 structures. Other fires, like the Hurst Fire (855 acres) and Lidia Fire (348 acres), have caused damage and forced evacuations.

A smaller fire, the Sunset Fire (43 acres), caused rapid evacuations in the Hollywood Hills. Firefighters have made progress in controlling it.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has updated the status of these fires. The Palisades Fire has burned 19,978 acres with 6% containment. The Eaton Fire is now at 13,690 acres with no containment.

The Hurst Fire is at 771 acres with 37% containment, while the Lidia Fire, spanning 394 acres, is 75% contained.

CAL FIRE also reported on the Kenneth Fire, which covers 960 acres and is not yet contained.

They noted that recent rain has helped reduce fire activity, but the risk remains high due to dry weather and strong winds.

CAL FIRE said California has seen more fires this year than usual, but the total acreage burned is below the five-year average, though higher than last year.

The forecast shows dry conditions and warm temperatures will continue, increasing fire risk in Southern California. Offshore winds may worsen the situation in some areas.

However, CAL FIRE expects cooler, wetter weather in the coming months to help reduce the threat of major fires, especially in higher elevations.

CAL FIRE remains ready to handle ongoing risks. There have been 13,926 emergency responses this year for 92 wildfires that have destroyed over 10,000 structures.

The department said its year-round staff will focus on fire prevention and resource management during the cooler months.

Despite their efforts, the wildfires have already caused significant loss of life. At least ten people have died, and officials fear the number could rise.

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said dangerous conditions, like downed power lines and gas leaks, are delaying investigations at the scenes of fatalities.

President Joe Biden has approved federal disaster assistance for Los Angeles County to help with the crisis.

At this time, we send our condolences to Shari, her family, and everyone who has suffered during these tragic wildfires.