Altadena Wildfire Devastation: Community Rallies Amid Loss

ALTADENA, Calif. — In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, which has scorched over 14,000 acres, claimed at least 11 lives, and destroyed thousands of structures, the community of Altadena is grappling with unprecedented loss. On Saturday morning, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger met with residents, including 65-year-old Pierre Dupuy, who broke down in tears as he recounted losing his lifelong home.

The fire, which began earlier this week, has left a trail of destruction through Altadena and parts of nearby Pasadena. Dupuy, who has lived in Altadena his entire life, embraced Barger, who has been a fixture in the community for over 30 years. “Thank you so much,” Dupuy said between sobs. “It’s so brutal, it’s so brutal.”

Barger, who has overseen her district during 10 major wildfires since joining the Board of Supervisors in 2016, described this disaster as uniquely personal. “I haven’t ever considered how I do what I do in times like this,” she said. “Things like this happen, and you have to stay focused.”

The Eaton Fire has not only destroyed homes but also landmarks like the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and the historic rec center at Charles S. Farnsworth Park. Barger, a San Marino native, recalled visiting these sites as a Girl Scout and filming her first political campaign ad at the park. “Many of my friends lost their homes,” she said. “Staffers had to evacuate.”

As Barger toured the area with Dupuy, USC professor and MacArthur genius grantee Martha Molina, and other officials, the scale of the devastation became clear. Mariposa Avenue, once lined with grand mansions, now features only chimneys, brick walls, and charred trees. “All levels of government need to help people rebuild, and fast,” Barger emphasized.

Firefighters from across California, including Watsonville, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Oxnard, have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze. Barger criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its inefficiencies, stating, “FEMA’s been broken for a while. During crises, who benefits from fighting each other? You have to lead.”

State and local leaders, including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and newly elected Assembly members Sade Elhawary and John Harabedian, joined Barger to assess the damage. Elhawary, whose sister lost her home in the fire, pledged to ensure that Altadena’s Black community is not displaced during rebuilding. “The community trauma here is next level,” she said.

Barger has called for tax breaks and streamlined rebuilding processes to help residents like Dupuy stay in their neighborhoods. “I want people like Pierre to be able to stay here,” she said. “We’re going to rebuild. We’re ready to move mountains.”

As the community begins to reckon with the long road ahead, Barger remains determined to lead the recovery effort. “Unity is still going to be my focus,” she said. “But it’s also going to be about rebuilding — rebuilding the lives of my constituents, but also people’s faith in government.”