After losing their dog, house and possessions to the Sand Fire, James Robledo, his wife and their daughters hope to relocate to a rental home to restore physical and emotional stability following the disaster.

James Robledo and his family lived in a home on the Bear Divide Fire Station, off Sand Canyon Road.

On Saturday, July 23, flames began approaching the Forest Service compound, built amidst the rugged mountains of the Angeles National Forest.

James Robledo, and his neighbor, Ramon Chavez, battled the oncoming fire with their respective crews until the firefighters personal safety was at risk, forcing them to retreat to a nearby hillside.

Taking refuge in a cinder block building above their homes, James Robledo watched as flames engulfed and burned down his family’s home.

Once it was safe to leave, Robledo left the mountain to meet his wife and daughters, who were on vacation with their grandparents.

The next day, James, his wife, Tanya, and two of the girls returned to the site of their former house—now a pile of rubble, ash and lost memories. The oldest girl is currently staying with her biological father at his house in Santa Clarita. Two of the daughters stay with their biological mother due to split custody.

Among the irreplaceable, the  family lost their dog, a chocolate lab named Benny, who was a source of comfort and love to the girls.

In addition to their beloved canine’s death, the Robledos lost almost all of their possessions inside the home, saving only what they could in one trip from the house.

Along with their close family friends and neighbors, the Chavez family, the Robledos were relocated to a local hotel where they began to piece their life back together.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous member of the Santa Clarita Valley community, the Robledos intend to move into a rental residence at a discounted price while they rebuild their family’s future.

With school back in session, the Robledo’s also have to juggle the logistics of moving the girls, ages ranging from 8 to 15, to and from school, as well as managing their own busy work schedule.

The Robledo’s relentless optimism and hope for the future of their family is an inspiration to everyone struggling with personal loss.

To donate to the family, visit the YouCaring Page. All profits will help the four firefighter families along their road to recovery.

Read more about the Robledos’ neighbors, the Chavez’ family, struggle for stability here.