Pasadena couple rebuilding after Eaton Fire could see finished home by Thanksgiving

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- It's only been six months since Jun Li Lujan and her husband Robert lost their home in the Eaton Fire, but they were among the first to start rebuilding.

Now, the couple expects to be back in their home in time for Thanksgiving.

Jun Li Lujan is a home designer and has been on a mission with one main message for fellow fire victims.

"I can rebuild [and] make everyone see the hope," she said.

Like so many others, the Pasadena couple lost everything they owned. They had just rebuilt their home in 2020 to be fire resistant, but the Eaton Fire's powerful winds, intense flames and design proved to be a devastating combination.

Jun Li Lujan was able to use her old plans and lots of new research to make her new home as fireproof as possible. She's also adding a special sprinkler system to the roof.

"Connecting to the pool with battery backup and electric that will divert the water from the pool up to the sprinkler system," explained TJ Azulay, the couple's HVAC and electrical contractor.

As the Lujans watch their dream take shape, they're looking forward to building a brighter future.

"I'm excited about it," said Robert Lujan. "I think it's going to be great to be back home. It'll be a bigger and better home. Nothing's permanent, but as long as we live here, we're going to enjoy it."

If all goes well, the Lujans will be celebrating Thanksgiving in their home.

"I told my husband I'm not only rebuilding [the] structure, building the house ... we're going to rebuild our new beautiful life," said Jun Li Lujan.