The heroism story from Eton Fire continues to emerge as a symbol of strength and inspiration as Altadena continues to rebuild. As the fire-stricken city turns to the future, a member of a community reflects on how he helped save Brock thanks to his son who will not leave his side.
Looking at the destruction of Altadena, it is clear that the fight to save the community is a block-by-block food stall effort. On West Terrace Street, the 80-year-old Theodore Seavers were at the heart of the shootout.
“If I could do more, I would do more and do it again,” he said.
The retired water and electricity worker has lived in his Altadena home for 50 years. When he saw his neighbor’s house set on fire, he decided to stay and fight.
“I’ve never done anything like this in my life. I think it was time to step into the plate,” said Seavers, a veteran of the Navy.
Meanwhile, his son Kyle Seavers evacuated the rest of his family. Kyle says he went back repeatedly to try and persuade his father to leave.
“I can’t leave my dad there for the fourth time, regardless of what’s going on,” Kyle Seavers said.
Kyle also stayed.
The father-son duo fought throughout the night and the next day, struck flames from their neighbor’s house, and ultimately struck their own. Their troublesome battle continued long after the public water sources had dried out.
Marines fought fire up and down their streets, but in the chaos, smoke and darkness, it was difficult to know what was going on just yards away. Both disabled Anthony and Justin Mitchell died at home waiting for rescue they never came.
“If I had known that, I would have said, ‘I’d go there and break into the house as much as I could and take them,'” the elder Marine said. “It still hurts me.”
Still, together with other families, childhood friends and neighbors who were previously strangers, they were able to protect most of their block’s homes. Seavers said a new sense of unity is just as valuable as the traits that put them together.
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