Family Loses Home in Fire Sparked by Homeless Squatters, Blames LA Mayor

Couple's Larchmont home destroyed, three dogs killed in blaze started by meth-cooking squatters next door

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:05pm

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A devastated family in Los Angeles has lost their home and three beloved pets in a fire that was sparked by squatters cooking meth in the vacant house next door. The couple, Juan Galicia and Marta Umana, say they repeatedly reported the squatters to the police, but were told they couldn't be arrested since they weren't committing any crimes. The family is now blaming Mayor Karen Bass for failing to address the city's homelessness crisis, which they believe led to this tragic incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing tensions in Los Angeles over the city's homelessness problem, with residents feeling that their safety and property rights are being compromised. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the city's approach to addressing homelessness, particularly when it comes to dealing with squatters and the potential for criminal activity.

The details

According to the family, the fire started after they had repeatedly complained to the Los Angeles Police Department about the squatters next door, who were allegedly cooking meth and stealing utilities. The couple lost their home and three of their dogs in the blaze, which is being investigated by the LA Fire Department's arson unit. The family says the squatters, a group of up to eight people in their 30s and 40s, had been living in the empty home next door for about a year and a half, and the police had been unwilling to take action against them.

  • The fire occurred on March 8, 2026.
  • The family had been reporting the squatters to the police for about a year and a half prior to the fire.

The players

Juan Galicia

A 55-year-old pastor and construction worker who lost his home and three dogs in the fire.

Marta Umana

A 65-year-old woman who lost her home and three dogs in the fire.

Sonia Salinas

The 53-year-old niece of Marta Umana, who is speaking out about the family's experience and blaming Mayor Karen Bass.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles, who the family says failed to address the city's homelessness crisis and protect their property.

Los Angeles Police Department

The police department that the family says was unwilling to take action against the squatters next door, despite repeated complaints.

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What they’re saying

“Karen Bass failed us. She failed our family. She failed thousands of families in the same situation because this happens every day in LA.”

— Sonia Salinas, Niece of Marta Umana

“We'd always call 911 and say this place is full of squatters and peeping toms. They were cooking meth inside the property.”

— Sonia Salinas, Niece of Marta Umana

“I don't have anything any more. He's destroyed. He's super sad and devastated. He's in shock.”

— Marta Umana, Homeowner

What’s next

The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to try to recoup some of their losses from the fire, and the LAPD is continuing its investigation into the cause of the blaze.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for Los Angeles to address its homelessness crisis more effectively, with a focus on both providing housing and support services for the unhoused, as well as protecting the safety and property rights of residents. The failure to do so has had devastating consequences for this family.