A Los Angeles Fire Department captain and his family are grieving after losing their home in the Eaton Fire.
Capt. Al Hugo, a 32-year veteran of the department, had lived in his home in Altadena with his wife, Carmen, for 20 years.
When the Eaton Fire broke out on January 7, the rapidly advancing flames eventually reached Hugo’s neighborhood.
He and his wife quickly evacuated along with their four dogs, leaving their belongings behind. He said wildfires have threatened his area before, but the flames had never reached his neighborhood before.
The next day, the family learned that their home had been completely destroyed by fire.
“It was surreal,” Hugo said. [spent] I spend a lot of time there. I lived there for 20 years, so I had a lot of memories and lost a lot, but I’m just grateful that my family and pets are doing well. ”
Los Angeles Fire Department Lt. Al Hugo and his wife Carmen Hugo in a family photo. (Hugo Family) The Hugo family’s home after it was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (GoFundMe) Hugo’s Altadena home before the fire. (GoFundMe) The Hugo family home destroyed in the Eaton fire. (KTLA) The Hugo family home destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) The Hugo family home destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Mr. and Mrs. Al Hugo speak with KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw on January 14, 2025 in Altadena. (KTLA) The Hugo family’s home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) Al Hugo speaks with KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw on January 14, 2025 in Altadena. (KTLA)
Despite efforts to save others, Hugo and his family lost everything. He is thankful no family members were hurt and urges anyone who can help the victim to do so as he determines next steps.
“My story is not unique. Ours is one of many,” he said. “We’re proud, but we need help. Not just me, but everyone else.”
He said he loves the Altadena community and is touched by how everyone is trying to help each other.
“This city is resilient,” he said. “This is a close-knit community and we’re coming together. And from what I’ve heard from the people I’ve talked to, they want to rebuild.”
Hugo comes from a family of first responders, with his twin brother working as a firefighter for Los Angeles County and his youngest son working as a firefighter for the city of Los Angeles.
A GoFundMe page to help the Hugo Family rebuild can be found here.
As of Tuesday night, the Eaton Fire remained at 14,117 acres with 35% containment. Between the Eaton and Palisades fires, which occurred on the same day, more than 7,000 buildings and homes were damaged or destroyed and at least 25 people were killed.
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