Eaton Fire Death Toll Climbs to Five, Winds Offer Mild Reprieve to Firefighters

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

ALTADENA - Milder winds have helped to stem the growth of the Eaton Fire as crews scramble to gain control of this unimaginably-destructive blaze.

Five residents died and four firefighters have been injured. The fire has burned 10,600 acres and there is 0 percent containment. More than 1,000 structures were destroyed.

Todd Hopkins, incident commander for CalFire, stressed that not just homes and busssinesses, but vehicles, outhouses, etc. are included as structures.

“[Eaton Fire] Growth has been significantly stopped,” according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.

Effective Immediately, the fire danger level has increased to critical in the Angeles National Forest. The temporary closure of the forest, announced on January 8, is extending through January 15, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Flames are working their way to Mt. Wilson and pose a threat to critical communication towers at the peak.

Large areas of Pasadena and Altadena remain off limits so firefighters can patrol and perform structure protection and fight any remaining fires within urban areas. As of Wednesday night, power was out in many areas affected by the Eaton fire. Traffic lights were also inoperable along many streets in areas closest to the fire

The city of Pasadena issued an Unsafe Water Alert for residents:

“Debris and elevated turbidity from the Eaton Fire potentially impacted Pasadena Water and Power’s drinking water system in the Eaton Fire evacuated areas. The State Water Resources Control Board, Pasadena Public Health Department, and Pasadena Water and Power Water System are advising residents of Pasadena to NOT USE THE TAP WATER FOR DRINKING AND COOKING IN THE IMPACTED AREAS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.”

In an effort to reduce calls for service, the Angeles National Forest is closed

Pasadena authorities also advise the only bottled water should we use for all human and pet consumption until further notice and that you should not attempt to treat tap water yourself.

A high-end Red Flag Warning continue through 6 p.m. Friday in wind prone areas of LA and Ventura counties due to moderate-strong Santa Ana winds and low humidities, according to the National Weather Service.