“The fire is currently at 14,117 acres, 33% contained. We have over 3,400 firefighters assigned to this incident,” reported Fire Chief Chad Augustine during the January 13 emergency session, called under a local emergency declaration issued earlier on January 8.
The crisis has created unprecedented displacement in Pasadena.
Thousands are just returning home but remain under evacuation warnings.
The American Red Cross reported 479 people sheltering at the Pasadena Convention Center. City Manager Miguel Márquez confirmed 61 City employees lost their homes, with 357 employees — 16.5% of the City’s workforce — still under evacuation orders.
During public comment, tenant advocates urged immediate protections.
“I have a Ph.D. in atmospheric physics and chemistry and specifically studied the production and distribution of pollutants from wildfires,” testified Brigitte Rooney. “Our landlord informed us that once the outside air is clear of smell and ash, then the inside will be fine soon. This is objectively false.”
Property owners proposed temporary regulatory changes. The Pasadena Housing Providers organization requested amendments to Measure H rent control ordinances to allow vacant apartments and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) to house displaced residents.
No votes were taken or decisions made with regard to emergency housing regulatory matters.
The City announced the establishment of a Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Center at 3035 East Foothill Boulevard, which will open Wednesday, operating 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for at least 30 days. The center will provide “one-stop shopping” for assistance, including driver’s licenses and social security cards for evacuees who fled with few possessions.
“This need is going to last for more than 30 days. It’s going to go for months and months, perhaps years,” Márquez said, noting ongoing partnerships with Kaiser Permanente, American Red Cross, and Los Angeles County to provide medical care and family assistance.
With 39,428 structures threatened and some areas still unsafe to return, Councilmembers called for improved emergency communications and indicated they may reconvene later this week as conditions evolve.
The Convention Center evacuation shelter remains open with health services, disaster mental health support, and spiritual care available to displaced residents.