Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Pasadena and Altadena Schools to Mark Eaton Fire Anniversary With Moment of Silence

Pasadena Unified School District schools in Pasadena and Altadena will observe a brief moment of silence on Jan. 7 to mark one year since the start of the Eaton Fire, according to a letter sent Monday to the district community by Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco. 

The observance comes as the district returns from winter break and enters the anniversary month of the wildfire that ignited in

Eaton Canyon on Jan. 7, 2025, and spread into foothill neighborhoods in Altadena and Pasadena. 

The fire destroyed more than 9,400 structures including district facilities and displaced thousands of students, families and staff across the district, according to PUSD’s documented recovery timeline. 

In her message to families, Blanco wrote that the anniversary is “part of our shared experience and a reminder of the power of us as a community: working together, supporting one another, and lifting up our students.” She said teachers have been provided resources to support student learning and well–being, and families needing additional help are encouraged to contact their school principal. 

Schools may offer optional, age–appropriate activities such as reading, art or wellness support in addition to the moment of silence, according to the letter. 

Blanco said that campuses will “remember this moment in ways that reflect their communities,” and students may opt out of activities if they have concerns. 

District records show that five public or charter campuses used by PUSD were burned or severely damaged, instruction at all 24 campuses was impacted for at least two weeks — with some schools and programs affected longer during phased reopening — and about 1,100 students lost their homes. 

Blanco wrote that while the district remains focused on the future, the anniversary offers a moment to pause and acknowledge the past year’s challenges for Pasadena and Altadena school communities.