Eaton Fire Damages 5 Pasadena Unified Schools: What Happens Next for Students?
Reopening Plan Announced
Schools in the Pasadena Unified School District will be reopened in phases over a two-week period in the aftermath of the deadly Eaton Fire. Five campuses were severely damaged by the wildfire northeast of Los Angeles. Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School, Franklin Elementary, which closed in 2020, and three charter schools — Edison, Loma Alta and Noyes — were all damaged in the 14,100-acre wildfire that started Jan. 7 near Altadena.
Evacuations and Displacement
More than 10,000 of the district’s 14,000 students were evacuated from homes in the devastating days that followed. Nearly 1,400 district employees live within evacuation zones, some of whom lost their homes.
Reopening Phases
In a reopening plan announced Thursday, district officials said schools located a greater distance from the fire zone will reopen first. “We will reopen, we will rebuild, and we will rise,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said. “Despite the challenges we face, our commitment to our students and families remains unwavering. We are dedicated to coming together, rebuilding, and ensuring the well-being and success of our community.”
Cleanup Efforts
Teams have been clearing debris and sanitizing properties since the fire burned through the area near Altadena. About 10 tons of debris were removed from campuses, the district said.
Testing and Reopening
The campuses will only reopen after testing by the California Office of Emergency Services, the district said, adding that specific site reopenings will be based on those test results. Six sites are expected to reopen in the next week. All students are projected to return to campus by early February.
Conclusion
The Eaton Fire has caused significant damage to five Pasadena Unified schools, displacing thousands of students and employees. While the road to recovery will be long and challenging, the district is committed to reopening schools in phases and ensuring the well-being and success of its community.
FAQs
Q: When will schools reopen?
A: Schools will reopen in phases over a two-week period, with six sites expected to reopen in the next week.
Q: How many students were evacuated?
A: More than 10,000 of the district’s 14,000 students were evacuated from homes in the devastating days that followed the fire.
Q: How many district employees live within evacuation zones?
A: Nearly 1,400 district employees live within evacuation zones, some of whom lost their homes.
Q: What is the district’s plan for rebuilding and recovery?
A: The district is committed to reopening schools in phases, clearing debris, and sanitizing properties, with the goal of having all students return to campus by early February.
