Community Council Launches Long Term Recovery Group to Oversee Eaton Fire Response

A community-driven initiative was launched Tuesday to help those impacted by January’s devastating Eaton Fire.

The Eaton Fire Collaborative Leadership Council officially launched the Eaton Fire Collaborative Long Term Recovery Group, designed to help families and communities across Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and the greater Eaton Canyon region recover from the fire.

“Our mission is clear — to walk alongside every survivor with compassion, resources, and practical support until recovery is achieved,” said Christy Zamani, chair of the group. “The LTRG is built on the values of equity, dignity, and community resilience. We will make sure no one faces this journey alone.”

The launch was attended by state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, D-Glendale, Assemblyman John Harabedian, D-Pasadena, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education President Jennifer Hall Lee, Altadena Town Council Chair Victoria Knapp, and representatives from the Offices of Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, and Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

Officials said the EFC-LTRG will:

• Coordinate recovery services and mobilize resources to assist individuals and families affected by the Eaton Fire.
• Provide a survivor-centered, equitable, and locally driven recovery process that ensures all community members have the opportunity to rebuild and recover fully.
• Serve as an umbrella organization, uniting nonprofits, community- based organizations, faith-based groups, philanthropy, businesses and government partners.
• Secure funding and resources — including grants, donations and in- kind support through its Resource Committee.
• Oversee rebuilding projects and provide project management through its Construction Committee.
• Deliver disaster case management services to ensure survivors receive holistic, personalized support through its Case Management Committee.
• Address unmet needs — financial, material or labor through its Unmet Needs Committee.
• Collaborate with FEMA, state and local emergency management, and national recovery organizations to ensure aligned and effective recovery efforts.

Tuesday’s announcement was hosted at 540 Woodbury Road Altadena, the site of the future Eaton Fire Collaboratory, which will be a central resource center and host the organization’s office and community meetings.

More information can be found at EatonFireCollaborative.org.

The Eaton fire ignited around 6:20 p.m. Jan. 7 near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the foothills above Altadena during hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. The blaze burned roughly 14,021 acres over 24 days, destroying about 9,414 structures and damaging another 1,074.

The fire’s official death toll is 19.