Introduction to the Eaton Fire Debris Cleanup
The clean-up of wildfire debris in Altadena is nearly 90% finished after more than five months since the deadly Eaton Fire.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which focuses on removing fire debris from homes, is also helping with some businesses as a part of a “special inclusion program.”
Progress of Debris Removal
Among those businesses is the Bunny Museum in Altadena, which was lost in the Eaton Fire. A walk through of what is left of the museum in Altadena is a hopeful sign of what is to come for Candace and Steve, who founded the well-known stopping point on Lake Avenue 27 years ago. "The museum used to be mostly a love story between Candace and I," said Steve. The couple has already received 18,000 bunny donations from around the world for the new location being rebuilt.
Involvement of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Several county parks and a senior center will also receive help from the Army Corps. "A lot of them are nonprofits or churches and things like that," said Colonel Sonny Avichal with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The corps’s work is ahead of the January 2026 deadline, so far. "We’re over 80%, probably about 88% or so," said Colonel Avichal, referring to how far along they are in the debris removal process.
Expected Completion and Future Plans
Avichal says their work, including the crushing of concrete at the Altadena Golf Course, could be done by the summer. Because of the swift clearing, half the crews they had months back now remain, cutting down on traffic to and from Altadena through other neighborhoods. As for Candace and Steve, they are already planning the bunny museum of the future, a distant yet realistic three-year plan. We’re hoping that we open officially on our 30th anniversary," said Candace. Until then, they are collecting bunnies and saving what burned for a future exhibit.
Conclusion
The progress made in the debris cleanup after the Eaton Fire is a significant step towards the recovery of Altadena. The involvement of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been instrumental in achieving this progress, and their work is expected to be completed ahead of schedule. The story of the Bunny Museum and its founders serves as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of disaster.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of the debris cleanup in Altadena?
A: The cleanup is nearly 90% finished, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers having removed a significant amount of debris from homes and businesses.
Q: What is the role of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the cleanup process?
A: The Corps is responsible for removing fire debris from homes and some businesses, including those participating in the special inclusion program.
Q: What is the expected completion date for the debris removal process?
A: The work is expected to be completed by the summer, ahead of the January 2026 deadline.
Q: What are the plans for the Bunny Museum, which was lost in the fire?
A: The founders, Candace and Steve, are planning to rebuild the museum, with a goal of opening on their 30th anniversary, and are currently collecting bunnies and saving what burned for a future exhibit.
