1 year anniversary of the Eaton fire: testimony written by Crystal Ha on January 8, 2026.
January 8, 2026 is our family’s fire anniversary. I’m told through neighbor reports that our house burned sometime in the early morning of 1/8/25 between 4-6 am. I think back where we were at that exact moment, and praise to God, recall that we were far enough away from the fire, asleep in warm beds, and safely together.
What led us to that point remains a miracle in our family’s hearts. Around 5 pm on Jan 7 our internet and power cut out. We couldn’t get any phone or internet service, making us completely unaware that a fire was any threat to us. In usual fashion during power outages, we proceeded to get the kids fed and ready for bed. At some point before bedtime, I could hear an inner voice say clearly and firmly “get your papers, pack some things and leave.”
The thought wasn’t something I questioned or doubted. I simply “acted and moved.” We left, not expecting to leave permanently, but gathered enough of our things so that we could return the next morning. “Who wants to get some ice cream?!” we said as we fought the fierce winds trying to exit the garage while simultaneously keeping the kids calm. It took a minute to figure out where we were leaving to, but eventually we settled at grandma’s house 20 minutes away. The remainder of the night was an active choice to sleep and deal with the rest the following morning.
Around 9 am on Jan 8, with reckless courage, my husband went back. I gave him a list of necessities to retrieve. What he witnessed is recounted in the hundreds of images you’ve seen in the news and on social media. Except, he was alone, unprepared, and stupidly alert with adrenaline. On the ride there, buildings were still actively burning with no fire trucks in sight. Strangely, there was no thought of turning back. He was desperate to see the house for himself- we simply had to know.
He parked miles away from our street because the roads up were blocked. By foot, he walked those miles up the hill, made a right turn onto our street and made the 3 minute trek to our house. The street was so hot it melted the soles of his shoes. Furious wind still going strong from the night before blurred his line of sight. Burned tricycles, downed power lines, apocalyptic skies made our once familiar neighborhood unrecognizable. With each step he prayed “God save our house” but hope was dwindling by the second. By the time he got to our lot, the reality was clear: Our beloved home and car were burned to the ground, some flames still untamed in the back. Every turn revealed fresh, raw destruction, as if some atomic blast had erupted in all four directions. Along the long street not one house was spared. He called me over broken cell service and said “Gone. It’s all gone.”
It took me a few days to realize that the voice I heard the night of Jan 7 was God. It was such a strong conviction in my spirit- the kind that moves you to tears when you realize the promises of God are indeed steady and true. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10: 27).” He shielded us from witnessing violent flames and instead gave us time to exit in a calm fashion. My kids understand that when God told Joseph and Mary to flee the country because of the threat of death, listening to and obeying God’s voice is what saved their lives. Listening to and obeying Gods voice on Jan 7 saved our lives.
365 days later here we are. Figuring things out together as a family, buoyed by communities near and far. There are many more mini-testimonies wrapped up one year’s time. Countless prayers and practical encouragements have helped us get back on our feet. Uniquely, the loss of our home, which has been incredibly heavy, full of suffering and emotionally taxing, is what made room for us to receive God’s passionate love and care. God is kind and has given us unshakable hope in an otherwise crippling situation. Where logic justifies overwhelming anxiety, God’s peace and joy have actually steadied our souls. These are miracles in themselves, because of course, how does one get through such chaotic times?
God is our firm foundation and is paving the roads ahead of us. In 2026, we are building our house on the Rock (Matthew 7: 24-27) and trusting in faith that He will guide the rebuilding of our lives for His glory.
You've been there since the beginning. Thank you for your support and prayers- they have changed the trajectory of our journey for the better.