The devastating Eaton Fire that claimed at least 17 lives and destroyed more than 9,400 structures reached 95% containment Saturday as officials push forward with recovery operations amid an approaching cold front and threat of rain.
The 14,021-acre blaze that began Jan. 7 in Altadena and Pasadena has also injured nine firefighters and left thousands without basic utilities. Cal Fire reports 1,837 personnel remain assigned to the incident.
Pasadena Water and Power lifted its do-not-drink order Friday, while Foothill Municipal Water District announced system pressurization this weekend, though testing could take two weeks before restrictions end.
Southern California Edison has restored power to 12,422 structures, with 6,961 still in the dark. SoCalGas resumed service to 6,094 customers after widespread shutoffs in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre communities.
The Pasadena Convention Center continues housing 571 evacuees across six shelters as recovery efforts progress.
Southern California Edison reported that service has been restored to 12,422 structures, with 6,961 remaining without power.
SoCalGas officials temporarily shut off natural gas service to thousands of customers in the Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre communities as a safety measure. As of Friday, the utility had restored service to 6,094 of them.
The Gas Co. has established an information booth for residents at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at Pasadena City College’s Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The entire Angeles National Forest will be closed for public safety and the protection of natural resources through at least Friday.
The Eaton Fire was reported about 6:20 p.m. Jan. 7 in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid hurricane force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire. The cause of the fire has not been determined.