Couple reflects on Eaton Fire loss one year later

Eaton Fire Devastates Dove Creek Neighborhood in Altadena

ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) — The Eyewitness News team reported on the Eaton Fire that swept through the Dove Creek neighborhood last year, destroying nearly everything in its path.

A couple from the community was unsure if their home had survived. A live moment on air became unforgettable for them.

During the chaos, Lisa Troncoso Van Bennekum contacted the Eyewitness News station.

One year later, Lisa and her husband Dave Van Bennekum met with Eyewitness News’ Leanne Suter, the reporter who informed them that their home was lost in the fire.

Impact of the Fire

The Dove Creek condominium complex in Altadena was one of the first areas affected by the Eaton Fire. Only 16 out of the 64 condos in the complex survived.

“It was our home for seven years… Maybe it might be another time, but not for now,” Lisa said, crying a year after the fire.

Lisa and Dave are still in disbelief that most of their cherished neighborhood is gone.

“We were the last ones out of the neighborhood,” Dave said. “By the time we left, the smoke was in the house, and embers were falling on the cars and roof.”

The couple managed to grab their two cats, a bag of belongings, and important paperwork before fleeing.

As the flames raged, Lisa and Dave could only wait and hope.

Live News Coverage

“We’re watching the news, we’re watching (Eyewitness News reporter Leanne Suter),” Lisa recalled.

“You’re literally standing in front of one of our good friend’s home, and the whole thing’s on fire,” Dave said. “And I knew right then that, yeah, the whole thing is gone.”

Lisa called the Eyewitness News station, speaking with anchor David Ono, anxious for answers and hoping someone could retrieve her purse and an important bag left at the door.

“I was in agony that I can’t believe that I had them in my hands, and I just left it,” Lisa said. “Maybe the reporter can ask a firefighter to go in and grab it.”

Leanne Suter informed the couple live that their home and others on the street were gone.

“I think I was in shock. This isn’t happening… Now what? It’s gone. It’s all gone,” Lisa said.

“The whole thing is gone.”

Loss of Personal History

The bag contained something more than possessions; it held Lisa’s childhood memories.

Lisa grew up in the foster system and had only a few photos and mementos. Now, it was all lost.

“I lost everything, yes, but I feel like I lost my history cause that’s all I had,” Lisa said.

“She said, ‘I feel like I’ve been erased,’” Dave said. “That’s when it kind of hit me. It wasn’t just about losing stuff; it was about losing identity.”

Reflecting on the Experience

A year after that phone call, Leanne Suter met Lisa and Dave to discuss the emotional encounter that unfolded on TV.

“You were kind enough to relay that information to us in that moment, so we didn’t have to wait longer,” Lisa told Leanne.

Lisa and Dave are uncertain if they can return to their beloved neighborhood as they rebuild their lives. They focus on a brighter future.

“I know that wherever we go, we’re gonna make our home a home again, and I do look forward to that,” Lisa said. “It’s just the in-between time of where that’s going to be and when that’s going to happen.”