A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Heroic Battle Against the Eaton Fire

The Intensive Effort to Save Lives and Homes

Crews have worked non-stop for nearly a week straight now in their battle with the deadly Eaton Fire, which was 33% contained at 14,117 acres as of Monday night.

The First 36 Hours: Saving Lives and Homes

When the fire first broke out on the night of January 7, thousands of people were forced to evacuate in a rush as the flames, some as tall as 100 feet, ripped through the Altadena region. Firefighters rapidly put up a heroic effort to save as many lives, homes, and land as they could.

Saving One Neighborhood from Devastation

Although thousands of homes have since been lost, one neighborhood is largely intact thanks to the fighting efforts of a group of U.S. Forest Service firefighters based in the Angeles National Forest.

A Team of Brave Firefighters

That same U.S. Forest Service team provided an inside look at how they managed to save homes they were defending that first night near Kinclair Drive in Pasadena.

In the footage, the intimidating blaze was both seen and heard – but it did not seem to phase the brave firefighters as they adamantly organized their attack.

“Hold Your Position”: The Order from the Captain

“Jonathan, careful, we can’t run out of water,” shouted a firefighter, giving orders to his crew over the loud raging of the massive flames mere feet away.

“It’s One of the Worst Fires I’ve Seen”

“When we first arrived on scene, we were faced with walls of flames 50 to 100 feet, wind gusts in excess of 50 miles an hour,” said Robert Robledo, a U.S. Forest Service captain. “I’ve been fighting fire for 21 years and this is probably the worst I’ve ever seen the wind gusts, the ember casts, and flame impingement on structures.”

“We’re Trying to Bring Calmness to Everything”

Members of this U.S. Forest Service wildfire unit were first on scene and worked tirelessly for the next 36 hours straight before taking a brief rest, and then attacking flames on another front on Mount Wilson.

Community Repopulation and Warnings

As the firefight continues amid fears of strong winds rebuilding, these crews are determined to keep moving forward.

“Our main goal is to try to make sure public safety, life, and property are good, and then that way we can safely do our job without having to worry about life, and then we can save as many homes as possible,” said team member Eduardo Cerna.

Investigating the Cause of the Fire

An electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon is under investigation as the possible cause of the deadly fire that bears its name.

Conclusion

The bravery and dedication of these firefighters have undoubtedly saved countless lives and homes in the face of one of the most intense wildfires in recent memory. As the firefighting effort continues, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow evacuation warnings and orders to ensure their safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big is the Eaton Fire?
  A: As of Monday night, the fire was 33% contained at 14,117 acres.
• Q: What is the status of the community repopulation?
  A: The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department has announced the repopulation of communities impacted by the Eaton Fire effective as of 3 p.m. on Monday.
• Q: Are there any areas still under evacuation warnings?
  A: Yes, areas still under evacuation warnings include the unincorporated L.A. County area of the Kinneloa Mesa Community, and south of Heights Road to New York Drive and East of Outpost Lane to Sierra Madre Villa Avenue.
• Q: Are there any areas still closed to residents?
  A: Yes, the remaining areas of the unincorporated community of Altadena are still closed to residents.