Thursday, January 23, 2025

Congresswoman Calls for Probe Into Fatal Wildfire Evacuation Order Delays

Investigation demanded after at least 17 deaths reported in Western Altadena during Eaton Fire

Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents Pasadena and Altadena, has demanded an independent investigation into delayed evacuation orders that may have contributed to at least 17 deaths in Western Altadena during the devastating Eaton Fire.

Her call for an inquiry comes after Los Angeles Times reporting revealed that residents west of Lake Avenue received evacuation notices hours after the fire’s initial outbreak.

“I’m dismayed and deeply concerned that evacuation warnings and orders were significantly delayed for residents in western Altadena, west of Lake Avenue, at the start of the Eaton Fire,” Chu said in a release issued Wednesday.

The Eaton Fire has emerged as part of Los Angeles wildfires that are on track to become one of the most costly and devastating natural disasters in the country’s history.

The fire has destroyed more than 7,000 structures and displaced 20,000 people, with all 17 deaths identified so far coming from the area west of Lake Avenue.

Chu is urging Los Angeles County emergency officials to examine the timeline of alerts, coordination between agencies, and changes needed to strengthen notification systems. The investigation would focus on preventing future evacuation delays and failures.

“We owe it to the victims, survivors, and their families to ensure that these evacuation notification delays and failures are not repeated,” Chu emphasized in her statement, adding that “transparency and accountability are critical so that every community is treated equitably in future emergencies.”