Firefighters from Arizona are helping to protect Altadena, California, after the Eaton Fire caused significant destruction in the area
Altadena: Arizona firefighters are on the scene, helping out in a neighborhood hit hard by the Eaton Fire. This area, just north of Pasadena, has seen a mix of destruction and survival.
Captain Shaun Jones from Central Arizona Fire and Medical mentioned they’re working hard to secure the area before the Santa Ana winds pick up. Those winds could spark new fires, so they’re being cautious.
The Arizona Department of Forestry sent 100 firefighters to help tackle the wildfires that flared up on January 7. Along with Central Arizona Fire, other teams were deployed to different parts of Southern California.
As they patrolled the streets, they saw a mix of homes—some completely destroyed while others stood strong. It was a tough sight, with children’s toys covered in ash and pools looking like dark swamps.
Jones shared that they brought five trucks and a water tank to help with the firefighting efforts. They arrived in Altadena on Wednesday and have been working to prevent any flare-ups.
They used water and foam to put out flames near burned structures. The fire wiped out many homes in the area, especially south of West Loma Alta Drive.
Sadly, the fire also took out community spots like the Altadena United Methodist Church, which still had its sign up for Sunday services.
As of Sunday night, the toll was heavy: 11 lives lost, five firefighters injured, and over 1,400 structures destroyed. It’s a level of devastation that’s hard to comprehend.
Jones described the scene as heartbreaking. Yet, amidst the destruction, a bright yellow bungalow stood out, and a squirrel was spotted running by a white picket fence.
One truck in the neighborhood showed the fire’s impact—half of it was burned while the other half remained untouched. Jones felt a mix of sadness for the losses but also gratitude for the homes they managed to save.
He recalled a thankful homeowner he met, and that simple “thank you” made all the hard work worthwhile.
