A National City family that lost just about everything in a fire is filled with hope, thanks to a community that’s come to their rescue.
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"It was an electrical fire. It started in my sister's room,” said Abraham Macias.
That room is all boarded up now, but Macias took 10News inside to see the destruction up close.
“Everything is gone here,” said Macias. "You work hard to buy a home, and then in a blink of an eye, you lose everything. It's something hard to swallow."
The fire broke out at 4 a.m. last Friday. Macias, his parents, his two sisters, and most of the family dogs escaped. Macias’ dog Chillindrina and another family dog died after inhaling so much smoke. They had huddled underneath a bed frightened.
"My sister suffered a second-degree burn on her right forearm. She's doing a lot better," said Macias.
The fire spared enough of his parent's food business that they're able to keep working.
"That's their bread maker. Because of the business, that's how they pay their bills,” added Macias.
The family's spirit is lifted thanks to their neighbors, co-workers, relatives and strangers who've donated clothing, food and money.
Macias is a sheriff's deputy. His coworkers have set up a GoFundMe page, which has so far raised more than $6,800 in four days. They hope to raise $10,000.
“A lot of blessings from everyone in the community,” said Macias.
The family is now staying at a hotel in Bonita. Thanks to an organization of wives of law enforcement, it has set up a meal train so every night, someone is bringing the family a hot meal.
"It's amazing to know that you have a lot of people out there willing to help us out,” said Macias.
It gives the Macias family a sense of hope and strength in the midst of tragedy.
