- Eaton Fire burns over 400 acres near Eaton Canyon in California.
- Mandatory evacuations issued for parts of Altadena and Pasadena.
- Strong winds ground firefighting aircraft, intensifying containment challenges.
- Pasadena Unified School District cancels classes amid fire threat.
- Evacuation center set up at Westwood Recreation Center for displaced residents.
Altadena, California — A fast-moving wildfire known as the Eaton Fire erupted on Tuesday evening in the hills above Eaton Canyon. The blaze, fueled by high winds and dry vegetation, rapidly burned more than 400 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations for neighborhoods in both Altadena and Pasadena.
The fire was first reported around 6:20 p.m. near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive. Within hours, it threatened homes and forced hundreds of residents to flee. Fire officials described the blaze as “erratic” due to intense winds, which grounded aerial firefighting operations.
Evacuations, School Closures, and Urgent Response Amid Fire Threat
Authorities issued evacuation orders for several streets, including Kinneloa Canyon Road, Glen Springs Road, and Roosevelt Avenue, as well as areas east of Altadena Drive, north of New York Drive, and west of Sierra Madre Villa Avenue. Pasadena officials stressed the urgency of the situation.
“We’re not playing around here. This is serious,” warned Pasadena city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Evacuation centers were set up at the Westwood Recreation Center, located at 1350 S. Sepulveda Boulevard in Los Angeles, to accommodate displaced residents.
Pasadena Transit buses assisted in evacuating residents from elderly care facilities, including a convalescent home near Washington Boulevard and Altadena Drive. Meanwhile, the Pasadena Unified School District announced the closure of all schools on Wednesday due to the fire threat.
Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco confirmed meals would be available at Grab & Go locations, such as Madison Elementary and McKinley School, for students relying on school-provided food.
Challenges for Firefighters
The strong winds, with gusts up to 80 mph, created dangerous conditions for firefighters and hampered efforts to contain the fire. Aerial operations were suspended, leaving ground crews to combat the flames and protect threatened structures.
Lisa Derderian likened the fire’s intensity to the devastating 1993 Kinneloa fire, which destroyed nearly 200 buildings in Altadena.
The National Weather Service had issued warnings earlier in the week, predicting high winds and elevated fire danger across Southern California.
Broader Context: Fires Across Southern California
The Eaton Fire is one of several wildfires impacting the region during an unusually severe windstorm. Approximately 40 miles west, in Pacific Palisades, another blaze has already consumed nearly 3,000 acres and destroyed several homes.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday evening, mobilizing state and federal resources to assist in firefighting efforts. President Joe Biden also pledged federal support, citing the urgency of the situation.
Evacuation and Safety Advice
Authorities urged residents to heed evacuation orders and prepare for extended displacement. Residents were advised to pack essential items, including medications, important documents, and emergency supplies.
For updates on evacuation zones and emergency services, residents should monitor official city websites and trusted news outlets.
In conclusion, as the Eaton Fire continues to spread, local and state agencies are working around the clock to protect lives and property. The strong winds and dry conditions underscore the importance of preparedness during California’s wildfire season.