In Western Altadena, Where 17 Died, Eaton Fire Evacuation Order Was Delayed
Emergency Officials Defend Response, But Survivors Say They Were Left in the Dark
The fire roared out of Eaton Canyon around 6:30 p.m. on January 7, pushed west by intense Santa Ana winds. Many neighborhoods in eastern Altadena and surrounding areas got evacuation warnings and orders that Tuesday night. But records reviewed by The Times show that Altadena neighborhoods west of North Lake Avenue did not get electronic evacuation orders until 3:25 a.m. and never received evacuation warnings. By then, burning embers were raining down on neighborhoods on the west side of Altadena and igniting homes.
The Delayed Warning
The first radio report of fire west of Lake came at 10:51 p.m. on the 500 block of East Calaveras Street. Subsequent calls at 11:42 p.m. and 11:55 p.m. relayed reports of additional fires on the same block. By 2 a.m., witnesses said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department patrols were driving down streets west of Lake and using loudspeakers to urge people to evacuate.
Consequences of the Delay
The fire ended up decimating western Altadena, burning large swaths of the community from New York Drive north to the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. In total, more than 7,000 structures were burned. While the search for victims continues, L.A. coroner’s office records indicate all the deaths occurred west of Lake.
Emergency Officials’ Response
L.A. County emergency officials declined to discuss the evacuation process, which they described as a unified command involving the Sheriff’s Department, county fire department, and other agencies.
Evacuation Order Timeline
According to the PBS WARN, the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management issued its first public alert at 6:48 p.m. — roughly half an hour after the Eaton fire ignited. Thousands of residents in eastern portions of Altadena and Pasadena were warned of a “Fast moving wildfire in your area. BE AWARE of your surroundings and MONITOR the situation closely.” Residents were also told to consult alertla.org for more information.
Survivor Stories
Residents of western Altadena, like Ester Song, 35, who lived on Loma Alta Drive and Chaney Trail, say they were left in the dark. “People were reluctant to leave because they had faith in the system,” Song said. “There’s no warning, there’s no order happening, so we just had to make the call ourselves.” She began to grow alarmed around midnight, seeing an eerie orange glow on the horizon and visible flames on the mountains. “I started seeing this glow come over the mountain,” she said. “There were visible flames on the mountains.”
Residents’ Frustration
Several residents, including Erliene Louise Kelley, 83, who died in the fire, and Claire Robinson, who lost her home and all her belongings, say they were not alerted to the danger in time. “I never would have believed this could have happened,” Robinson said, calling the response to the fire a “systematic failure.” She is mourning the deaths of neighbors who didn’t make it out and has spoken with other survivors who had similar experiences.
Conclusion
The Eaton fire highlighted the need for a more effective emergency alert system, with clear communication and evacuation procedures in place. The fire also exposed the devastating consequences of delayed warnings, with 17 lives lost in western Altadena. As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath, seeking answers and justice.
FAQs
Q: What happened in western Altadena during the Eaton fire?
A: The fire roared out of Eaton Canyon and pushed west by intense Santa Ana winds. Many neighborhoods in eastern Altadena and surrounding areas got evacuation warnings and orders, but Altadena neighborhoods west of North Lake Avenue did not get electronic evacuation orders until 3:25 a.m. and never received evacuation warnings.
Q: Why did emergency officials delay the evacuation order for western Altadena?
A: Emergency officials declined to discuss the evacuation process, describing it as a unified command involving the Sheriff’s Department, county fire department, and other agencies.
Q: What were the consequences of the delayed evacuation order?
A: The fire ended up decimating western Altadena, burning large swaths of the community from New York Drive north to the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. In total, more than 7,000 structures were burned. All 17 deaths occurred west of Lake Avenue.
Q: What is being done to improve emergency response?
A: The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management has vowed to conduct a full review of their actions during the fire and has called for a comprehensive evaluation of the response efforts to ensure preparedness for future emergencies.
