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Sisters Die in Arson Fire After Rescue Attempt
11 Feb
Summary
- One sister died rescuing the other from a house fire.
- The fire was intentionally set, with an arson suspect arrested.
- The sisters were elderly and one was caring for the other.
A devastating house fire on Vista Del Mar Avenue in Los Angeles, occurring in the early hours of February 4th, claimed the lives of two elderly sisters. The blaze, suspected to be the work of an arsonist, resulted in a tragic loss for a family that considered the home their sanctuary. Maria 'Chelo' Vazquez, 76, initially escaped the inferno but bravely re-entered the burning structure to rescue her elder sister, Yolanda 'Yola' Honda, 82.
Firefighters found Maria deceased at the scene. Yolanda was rescued and transported to a hospital in grave condition, but she succumbed to a heart attack. An arrest was made a day after the fire on suspicion of arson, following other trash fires in the area. The family is also searching for Maria's beloved dog, Coco, her constant companion, and has launched a fundraiser to cope with the immense loss of their home and loved ones.
The home, shared by seven siblings and multiple generations, represented the realization of the American dream for a family that had migrated from Mexico decades prior. The destruction of the property has left the family reeling from the loss of their matriarchs, their home, and a significant part of their shared history.
