Pasadena Now is providing this summary of key Eaton Fire-topics discussed a Monday’s Pasadena City Council meeting:
The crisis began January 8 during what Fire Chief Chad Augustin described as a “once in a 20 year” wind event. “We had fire starting well over a mile ahead of the main body of the fire. We had trees coming down, blocking roadways to access and major major fires starting in multiple blocks all at the same time,” Augustin reported.
The fire has grown to 14,117 acres and was 33% contained (Cal Fire continues to report these statistics on Tuesday), with over 3,400 firefighters deployed alongside massive resources including 375 fire engines, 50 hand crews, 29 dozers, 90 water tenders, and 16 helicopters. Air support units from Mexico and Canada have joined the response. The blaze has threatened 39,428 structures, forcing mandatory evacuation of 32,800 people from 12,453 structures, with an additional 42,000 people and 11,000 structures under evacuation warning.
The city has mobilized unprecedented resources, with up to 200 law enforcement personnel per shift and mutual aid coming from as far as Long Beach. The Rose Bowl serves as incident command post while the Convention Center houses 479 evacuees.
The American Red Cross disaster workers are managing emergency shelters, providing safe refuge, warm meals and critical services to hundreds of people. Find shelter locations on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). A disaster of this magnitude requires a team effort. The Red Cross is working closely with local officials, government agencies and other nonprofits to coordinate relief efforts and make recovery plans.
“The city itself, our own staff are part of this,” City Manager Miguel Márquez told the council, reporting that 61 city employees lost their homes, while 357 employees — 16.5% of the city’s 2,156 active workers — remain under evacuation orders.
Recovery infrastructure is rapidly expanding. A Disaster Recovery Center opens Wednesday at Pasadena City College’s Community Education Center (3035 East Foothill), operating daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m. with Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives present. Kaiser and Ed have established a medical clinic at 393 East Walnut for evacuees.
In a positive development, officials announced evacuation orders had been lifted for all Pasadena residents, though 24,400 remain under warning. Water quality testing showed the “do not drink” notification area has been reduced from 36% to 5% of the service area, affecting about 1% of the city.
Environmental concerns persist, including toxic ash contamination and potential mudflow risks when rains arrive. The City Attorney’s office has issued a press release warning against price gouging, directing residents to report violations to the Police Department.