Braving the Flames: GNG Team Stands Strong During the Eaton Fire.
- gngvacation
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 13
When disaster strikes, true strength and resilience come to light. As wildfires swept through our community, threatening homes, landmarks, and lives, our team didn't hesitate to take action. At GnG, we’re more than a business—we’re part of the community.
Property Managers Zuhayr Khan and Leo Ma, along with Founder and CEO Daniel Hong, joined the fight as flames approached one of our properties. Photos now appearing in news outlets show them clearing dangerous brush and working tirelessly to protect the site. In the background, the heartbreaking remains of nearby buildings tell the story of this tragedy—including the beloved Bunny Museum, a cherished part of the Altadena community for over 25 years, now lost to the fire.
Their actions reflect the spirit of Altadena—a community that comes together in times of crisis. But even as we honor the bravery and teamwork of so many, we mourn deeply for the five lives confirmed lost. Our hearts go out to families and friends grieving loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. We offer our sincerest condolences and prayers to everyone affected.
"How did this event shape your views on fire safety and disaster preparation for the business?"
"Yes, we knew the property was in the fire zone, and deciding to go in was not easy. We encountered firefighters who stopped us on the way telling us to go back, but we knew what was at stake and had to at least know that we tried. We rerouted multiple times, going through the side roads where telephone poles were toppled over. Cut Telephone wires blocking the paths, but eventually we found a way to the property. Upon arrival it was a huge sense of relief that it was untouched. Almost as if a protective barrier was cast around it. The only thing on our minds was, ‘How do we stop this place from going up in flames?’ Everything else just... faded. If we hadn’t gotten there when we did, if we hadn’t watered down the building and that bush next to the Bunny Museum, I don’t even want to think about it—the fire probably would’ve taken the whole thing"
- Zuhayr Khan, Property Manager at GnG Vacation
"What was the initial plan or response when it came clear that the property was at risk of catching on fire as well?"
"Honestly, our first thought was just, to see what was going on, make sure the guests were safe, and figure out if there was anything we could do. But when we arrived the property was literally surrounded by flames—fire everywhere—but somehow it was still standing. So we just started doing whatever we could. We sprayed water around the building, pulled down the dry vines and bushes near the Bunny Museum next door, and we even ran to Home Depot to grab tools so we could cut down some of the trees ourselves. It was... chaotic. We left the doors unlocked in case firefighters needed to get in and just stayed as long as we could, into the night."
- Daniel Hong, CEO and Founder of GnG Vacation
