safety
‘Made my skin boil.' Squatters overtake Larchmont family's burned home
By Robert Kovacik and Karla Rendon at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
A Larchmont family who lost their home to a fire that began at a vacant property next door earlier this year says they’re now dealing with squatters who have taken over the site of where their house once stood.
The Galicia family’s house was destroyed in a fire that claimed the lives of their ...
Key takeaway The blaze began at a vacant house next door and spread to the family home, ripping through it on March 8.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The situation at the Galicia family's burned home raises concerns about the city's response to vacant properties and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods. The fact that squatters have taken over the site, littering it with debris and stripping it of valuable materials, suggests a lack of effective oversight. The family's repeated attempts to seek help from the city, only to be met with claims of uncertainty about ownership, are particularly troubling. This case highlights the need for clearer communication and coordination between city agencies, especially when it comes to addressing the aftermath of devastating events like fires. As the Galicia family struggles to rebuild, the city's ability to provide support and protect their property will be closely watched. The involvement of Councilmember Hugo Soto Martinez's office is a positive step, but the family's experience serves as a reminder that more needs to be done to prevent similar situations in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Larchmont family who lost their home to a fire that began at a vacant property next door earlier this year says they’re now dealing with squatters who have taken over the site of where their house once stood.
The Galicia family’s house was destroyed in a fire that claimed the lives of their ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Robert Kovacik and Karla Rendon at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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