Eaton Fire Recovery: 8 Months Later, Here’s How to Get Real Help
- MADE IN DENA
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
The Eaton Fire began on the evening of January 7, 2025, near Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains. Driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, the flames quickly swept into Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. By the time the fire was contained on January 31 and declared 100% contained on February 1, it had burned more than 14,000 acres and devastated foothill neighborhoods.
Now, eight months later, recovery continues. Families are still displaced, small businesses are fighting to reopen, and the long work of rebuilding homes, health, and community is ongoing.
🌹 The Eaton Fire Collaborative
To ensure no one faces recovery alone, the Eaton Fire Collaborative was created. It brings together local nonprofits, community groups, and city, county, and state partners to make recovery clearer and more coordinated.
Here’s what you’ll find through the Collaborative:
✅ Trusted Information Hub – Reliable updates, recovery services, and guidance in one place.
✅ Coordinated Assistance – Faster connections to the right organizations.
✅ Recovery Calendar – Volunteer opportunities, donation drives, and community events.
✅ Long-Term Recovery Planning (LTRG) – Aligning rebuilding with what residents actually need.
👉 Start here: eatonfirecollaborative.org — visit About, Local Non-Profit Resources, and Government Information & Resources.
📅 Key Dates in Recovery
Jan 7, 2025 – Eaton Fire ignites in Eaton Canyon.
Jan 15, 2025 – First virtual community meeting held.
Jan 27, 2025 – Disaster Recovery Center opens in Altadena.
Jan 31, 2025 – Containment reached.
Feb 1, 2025 – Cal Fire confirms 100% containment.
Mar 31, 2025 – FEMA/SBA application deadline (appeals and SBA increases may still apply).
Apr 15, 2025 – Deadline for Right of Entry (ROE) for county debris removal.
💡 How to Get Help Now
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)
Altadena DRC: 540 W. Woodbury Rd, Altadena, CA 91001 (check LA County Recovers for current hours and active locations).
FEMA & SBA Assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance – Deadlines have passed, but survivors may still appeal.
SBA Disaster Loans – Low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits. Deadline extensions and increases may apply. (SBA Disaster Assistance)
Debris Removal & Rebuilding
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) & LA County lead Phase 2 debris cleanup.
Right of Entry (ROE) was due in April, but program info and contacts remain active.
Debris Removal Hotline: 844-347-3332.
Mud & Debris-Flow Protection
Burn scars increase flood and mudslide risk.
LA County offers free sandbags and resources to prepare.
Sign up for alerts via Alert LA County.
🚨 Stay Safe from Scams
Unfortunately, disasters often bring out scammers. Survivors of the Eaton Fire have reported:
Predatory tow-truck scams – Overcharging fire survivors to recover vehicles. If your car was towed, verify charges and report fraud to county task forces.
Unlicensed contractors – Always verify licensing with the CA Contractors State License Board.
Insurance hurdles – Survivors are entitled to fair claims. The CA Department of Insurance directed carriers to waive exhaustive inventory requirements for wildfire claims. File complaints at insurance.ca.gov.
🌹 Together, We Rebuild
Recovery isn’t just about structures—it’s about restoring lives, dignity, and community. Through the Eaton Fire Collaborative, federal and county resources, and the strength of neighbors helping neighbors, we will rise again.
💬 “Together we’re not just rebuilding homes—we’re rebuilding community.”
🌹 Altadena. Pasadena. Sierra Madre. DENA Strong. 🌹
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