Indio family of 3 speaks out on recovery after house fire

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - An Indio family is left picking up the pieces after a devastating house fire destroyed their familial home, car and nearly all their belongings.

Marina Garcia says her family, including her one-year-old son, are now left without a home after Monday's fire.

The fire broke out around 3 p.m. at the 82200 block of Kenner Avenue and was shortly contained by CalFire units.

"When I opened the garage door, the rolling black smoke started coming in. Where I was laying, I had my purse, my keys, my phone and everything on it. I just grabbed it. I didn’t even get my shoes. I moved my car went all the way around, parked over there and I watched my house burn," Karen Garcia said.

While the investigation hasn't concluded the cause, the family believes it was old electrical wiring in the garage. They say several homes in the neighborhood have burned down in recent years, most of which were built in the 1960s.

"It's hard to see my home like this. I grew up here I can't even look at it sometimes," Marina Garcia said.

The Garcias say the home has been in the family for generations, since the '80s for every birthday party, anniversary and new addition to the family.

Now, they have to rebuild from scratch, and without home insurance due to rising costs, they say they're unsure what the future holds.

"I just want to go home, but I don’t have a home," Karen said.

If you'd like to support the family as they rebuild their home, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rebuilding-after-indio-house-fire.

News Channel 3 is working to get the family results and find temporary housing during the difficult time. Stick with us for continuing coverage.

The family is also asking for donated supplies, including shovels, buckets, and other supplies to aid in the clean up.