UPDATE: Los Angeles County supervisors have just criticized their own $1.9 million investigation into the January Eaton fire, calling the findings “inadequate” and filled with “gaping holes.” This urgent feedback comes after residents expressed frustration over unanswered questions regarding delayed evacuation alerts that contributed to the tragic loss of 19 lives.
During a heated board meeting on October 24, 2023, Supervisor Kathryn Barger voiced the community’s outrage, stating, “This report leads to more questions than answers.” Many residents from affected areas, particularly in west Altadena, are demanding accountability for why evacuation orders were issued so late—hours after the fire threatened their homes.
The Eaton fire claimed lives predominantly in west Altadena, where evacuation alerts were not sent until 3:25 a.m., despite flames being reported in the vicinity at 2:20 a.m.. The independent report by McChrystal Group identified serious lapses in communication and coordination among county agencies responsible for evacuations.
Key findings revealed that there was no clear directive on which department was in charge of issuing evacuation orders, leading to confusion and delays. The report also indicated that warnings were inconsistently issued to neighborhoods adjacent to those under evacuation orders.
Barger emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, particularly highlighting that multiple fire agencies, including the Pasadena Fire Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department, did not cooperate with the report. “It is inexcusable,” she stated, calling for accountability from agencies that chose not to participate.
Residents expressed their frustration outside the Hall of Administration, demanding answers and questioning the independence of the report. Many believe it “avoids accountability,” as noted by local resident Kara Vallow, who criticized officials for their “unconscionable ineptitude.”
Congresswoman Judy Chu echoed these sentiments in a letter to the county board, highlighting unresolved questions around evacuation failures. She questioned why officials waited so long to issue the order, urging for a transparent investigation into the matter.
As the board prepares to implement some of the report’s recommendations, including clearer evacuation responsibilities and increased staffing for the Office of Emergency Management, community members remain skeptical. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath expressed disappointment that the report failed to capture the personal experiences of survivors and the racial disparities in evacuation outcomes, which have been highlighted by recent research.
The situation remains tense as residents demand immediate action to prevent future tragedies. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone acknowledged the challenges faced during the response, citing overwhelming conditions and the need for improved systems in place to handle such disasters in the future. “We can absolutely do better,” he assured the board.
As the investigation continues, residents and officials alike are awaiting answers that could reshape emergency response protocols in Los Angeles County. The urgency to address these critical failures cannot be overstated, as the community seeks justice for the lives lost and affected by the Eaton fire.
