Tragically, two elderly sisters lost their lives in a devastating fire in Hollywood last week. One of the sisters, Maria “Cello” Vasquez, made a valiant attempt to rescue her sibling amid the flames.
The fire broke out around 3 a.m. on February 4, completely destroying their home on Vista Del Mar Avenue, which is just a block away from the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Authorities suspect that a serial arsonist might have intentionally ignited the fire.
Witnesses reported seeing 76-year-old Vasquez briefly escape the burning house before rushing back in, mentioning to a neighbor that she had to save her sister, 82-year-old Yolanda “Yola” Honda. This detail comes from a GoFundMe page created by the sisters’ family.
According to the fundraiser, Vasquez’s last words were, “I have to go back and get my sister.”
Approximately 40 firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze within about 20 minutes.
Honda perished at the scene, while Vasquez was rushed to Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The GoFundMe states that Honda was recovering from emergency hip surgery, and Vasquez had moved in to care for her, ensuring she was safe, well-fed, and loved.
As part of their ongoing search, the family is also looking for Vasquez’s dog, Coco, who has been missing since the incident.
Investigators believe the fire that killed the sisters might have originated from a continuous fire generator.
During a recent Police Commission meeting, LAPD Deputy Chief Scott Harrelson noted that the fire appears to be linked to acts of arson that resulted in the tragic deaths of the sisters.
He further stated that multiple other fires were reported in the area during the same hours, and similar incidents had occurred nearby, including dumpster fires next to residential buildings.
No other injuries related to these additional fires have been recorded. Harrelson mentioned that LAPD detectives are actively examining the scene, interviewing witnesses, and checking video footage.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to gather and analyze new evidence.
