Monday, July 7, 2025

Eaton Fire Survivors to Gather to Mark Six-Month Anniversary, Push for Accountability

Cell phone images of the first moments after the Eaton Fire ignited on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, on the mountainside opposite Midwick Drive’s terminus at N. Altadena Drive in Altadena. [Jennifer Errico]

Fire survivors will host press conference and call for action from insurers and government officials.

The Eaton Fire Survivors Network will host a special gathering Monday to mark six months since the devastating wildfire that killed 18 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings. The event aims to connect survivors while holding insurers and government officials accountable for ongoing recovery challenges.

“We’ll connect, share hugs, hold a survivor-led press conference, and write postcards to hold insurers and government accountable,” the Eaton Fire Survivors Network said in describing the July 7 anniversary event.

The grassroots organization has scheduled the “6-Month Fire Anniversary: Survivor Press Conference & Postcard Party” earlier in the day in Altadena.

Six months later, many survivors continue struggling with insurance claims and housing issues.

Many survivors are still struggling to find permanent housing, with some living in cars or hotels. The rebuilding process is being complicated by government red tape and permit delays.

Joy Chen, leader of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, said: “Most people assume that if you pay your premiums, your insurer will be there when disaster strikes. But for many State Farm policyholders, the fire was just the start of their trauma.”

“The disaster began with the Eaton Fire. But for us, the real trauma began when we filed a smoke damage claim with State Farm,” said Wendy Davis, an Altadena resident.

The location will be provided upon RSVP. For further information or to attend, click this link.