Jana Karibyan stands among the remnants of her home in Altadena, California, which was devastated by the recent Eaton fire. She visits the site several times a week, sifting through the ashes for remnants of her past life—a cracked plate, a mixing bowl, and memories tied to the home she cherished. The once vibrant Japanese plum tree is gone, and the murky pool now reflects the loss she feels.
The fire, which swept through the area on January 8, her 49th birthday, left behind a landscape filled with charred debris and broken structures. Jana recalls the chaos of that night, when she and her family had to evacuate quickly, grabbing only essential items. They fled to the Glendale Police Station, where they waited in their cars as the flames consumed their neighborhood.
Despite the heartbreak, Jana remains meticulous in her approach to recovery. She is currently working with Farmers Insurance to replace lost belongings and is in discussions with an architect to design a new home. “We will rebuild. I know that,” she says, expressing a mix of hope and uncertainty about the future. The new house, however, will not be a simple replacement. Her husband, Varooj, believes this is an opportunity to create something bigger and better, even if it means letting go of the house she loved just as it was.
The aftermath of the fire has been challenging for the entire family. Jana, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, finds herself balancing her health needs with the demands of recovery. She often reflects on how the fire has forced her to confront both her personal struggles and the emotional toll of losing her home.
Their children, Stephan and Natalia, are also adjusting. While they have clothes and a roof over their heads in a rental home, they miss the familiarity and comfort of their old space. Natalia, who saved her mother’s childhood Bible, feels embarrassed about their situation but recognizes they are not alone in their loss.
As the community rallies to support fire victims, Jana grapples with feelings of guilt for receiving help while others are still struggling. Yet, she is determined to give back, wanting to ensure that her family’s recovery contributes positively to the community.
The Karibyan family is not just rebuilding a house; they are rebuilding their lives. Jana’s visits to the site of their former home are a mix of mourning and planning for the future. “This will all be cleared away,” she reassures herself, knowing it will take time. “Yes, time,” she says, acknowledging the long road ahead.
As she walks through the ashes, Jana holds onto the hope that they will create a new home filled with love, just as their old one was. The journey may be difficult, but she is ready to face whatever comes next.