Altadenans to Gather for First Anniversary of Eaton Fire Wednesday Evening

One year after the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena and Pasadena, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,400 structures, residents will gather Tuesday evening for a community commemoration that will include a moment of silence at 6:18 p.m. — the time the blaze reportedly ignited in Eaton Canyon.

The event, organized by the Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery (known as CCAR) and scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at 2270 Lake Ave. in Altadena, will feature speeches, light snacks, and the reading of the names of the 19 people officially declared dead by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

The event is expected to begin around 5:00 p.m.  The focus will be on shared presence, rather than activities, one official said.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for the community to come together to heal, support, and rally around each other,” Victoria Knapp, chair of the Altadena Town Council, said in comments to Pasadena Now about the commemoration. “These milestones are important for marking our collective grief and also our recovery.”

The gathering at the Grocery Outlet parking lot on Lake Avenue is one of several events planned for the anniversary.  Here is a listing of other Eaton Fire Anniversary events.

“We pause to remember the lives lost, homes destroyed, and resilience of our community,” Veronica Jones, president of the Altadena Historical Society, said in a statement. “Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the courage and strength of Altadena’s residents and our shared commitment to recovery and rebuilding together.”

The commemoration is open to the public.