Family Devastated After Fire Caused by Squatters

A heartbroken family in Los Angeles has accused local officials of negligence following a fire that left their home in ashes. The blaze, which occurred on March 8, was reportedly started by squatters cooking meth nearby. Juan Galicia, 55, and his wife Marta Umana, 65, lost not only their house but also three beloved dogs in the incident, which is now under investigation by the Los Angeles Fire Department’s arson unit.

The couple had voiced their concerns to the Los Angeles Police Department numerous times about the dangers posed by the squatters living next door. “We always called 911 and said this place was full of squatters and peeping toms. They were cooking meth on the property,” said Sonia Salinas, Umana’s 53-year-old niece, who also mentioned that the squatters were stealing water and power.

Salinas expressed frustration with Mayor Karen Bass, stating, “She has failed us. She has failed our family and thousands of families in similar situations.” According to her, the authorities do not adequately address the issues that arise from homelessness, which she believes has spurred violence and destruction in their community.

A few months back, during a visit to a local church, Bass had urged community members to assist in cleaning streets. Salinas felt this was misplaced, saying, “It’s her duty to keep the city clean.” She lamented that they reached out for help and yet received no response.

Tragically, three of their dogs—Charlie, an 8-year-old poodle mix; Phil Rice, a 3-year-old Chihuahua mix; and Chase, a 10-year-old husky—perished in the fire. Only three other huskies were saved. “We lost everything,” Umana stated, visibly distressed about the couple’s long years of hard work vanishing in an instant.

He watched his husband, a pastor and construction worker, cope with the loss. “He’s destroyed and in shock,” Umana shared.

In response to the family’s heartbreaking loss, Bass’s office released a statement claiming she has fought hard against homelessness in the city. They pointed out that Bass has worked to reduce homelessness, which had been on the rise since before she took office. “We have a long way to go,” the statement read, defending her actions amidst the ongoing struggles faced by residents.

Despite the couple’s efforts to alert the city about the dangers of the squatters, police suggested they couldn’t act since no criminal activity could be confirmed against them. Salinas stated that their reports had seemingly fallen on deaf ears, with many complaints leading to little action.

As squatters attempted to take refuge in the burnt remains of the couple’s home, Salinas mentioned that Galicia has actively tried to fend them off. “Juan keeps chasing them away,” she said, underscoring the ongoing challenges they face in a community plagued by homelessness and neglect.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help the family recover from their devastating losses.