After nearly five months since the catastrophic Eaton Fire, 88% of the more than 5,000 fire-impacted properties in Altadena have been cleared of debris, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said Friday.
A total of 3,440 properties, or 60%, have received final sign-off and returned to the county for follow-up.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has 81 active debris removal crews operating in the area, clearing an average of 57 properties each day. So far the corp’s cleanup operation has removed over 1.3 million tons of debris.
Barger, whose 3rd District includes Altadena and other Eaton Fire-damaged areas, said the progress made in the debris removal operation marks a critical milestone in the ongoing recovery and rebuilding process for one of the county’s hardest-hit communities.
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is demonstrating exceptional speed, efficacy, and dedication in their debris removal mission in Altadena,” Barger said in a statement. “Their tireless work is helping our community heal and rebuild faster than many thought possible. I wholeheartedly appreciate their commitment and am proud to work alongside them as we support Altadena’s road to recovery.”
Debris clearance is also evident at community sites such as Charles White Park, which is fully cleared, the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 95% cleared, and Farnsworth Park’s cleanup is halfway complete. Officials expect all parks to be fully cleared within two weeks.
“Special inclusion properties” such as the Altadena Senior Center, The Bunny Museum and Lifeline Church are in final stages of debris clearance, according to Barger’s office.
The Corps of Engineers works with county departments to align debris removal with road and utility repair efforts, managing more than 1,000 truckloads of debris per day, officials said.
For more updates on recovery efforts, visit recovery.lacounty.gov.
The Eaton Fire caused the deaths of 18 people, destroyed or damaged over 10,000 structures and scorched more than 14,000 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but multiple lawsuits allege Southern California Edison power lines ignited the blaze Jan. 7 amid fierce winds.
New survivor support center to open in Altadena
On Monday, county and state agencies will open a Survivor Support Location at the Altadena Community Center at 730 E. Altadena Drive, west of Lake Avenue. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, according to county officials.
The state Office of Emergency Services and county Department of Consumer and Business Affairs will operate the facility. The SSL replaces the Disaster Recovery Center in Altadena, which ceases operations Saturday.
The SSL will offer essential services and recovery resources via in-person assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and county agencies including the Treasurer Tax Collector, Assessor’s Office and DCBA.
Services will include help understanding FEMA correspondence, assistance with submitting additional documentation and appealing decisions and guidance on applying for low-interest federal disaster loans.
The DCBA will provide consumer counseling, guidance on tenant protections, worker assistance and connections to additional county resources that support long-term recovery for individuals and families.
“The road to recovery will be long for many survivors navigating a myriad of challenges,” DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal said in a statement. “By opening this location in the heart of Altadena, we are ensuring that residents still grappling with the toll of the fires have a place right in their neighborhood to turn to for support.”
Officials said the Altadena Community Center’s accessibility and central location make it an ideal place for one-on-one support during the current stage of recovery. While the neighboring Altadena Senior Center was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, the Community Center remained intact despite severe smoke damage.
The DCBA mobilized quickly to mitigate the smoke damage, as officials anticipated that the facility would become a key community hub post-fire.
“Establishing a Survivor Support Location here is not only a practical solution; it’s an intentional one,” Carbajal said. “It’s the right thing to do and reflects LA County’s commitment to stand beside the Altadena community every step of the way, now and in the future.”
Appointments are not necessary to receive services. More information is available by calling the DCBA, 800-593-8222 or visiting dcba.lacounty.gov/altadena-center.
