The Eaton Fire began burning Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in the Altadena/Pasadena areas of Los Angeles County. So far, the fire has killed six people and injured several others as it has destroyed over 100 structures and scorched more than 2,200 acres of land. The fire continues to burn out of control as of 8 am Wednesday, January 8th.
The names of five of the six deceased have not been released, but they were identified as civilians in Altadena. All six bodies were discovered in:
- 3400 block of Monterosa Drive
- 300 block of Alta Pine Drive
- 100 block of West Terrace Street
- Two bodies in the 3200 block of Tonia Avenue
- 100 block of East Las Flores Drive
No further information regarding how they died has been shared. One victim has been identified as Victor Shaw, who died defending his Altadena home.
According to the Angeles National Forest, more than 52,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, and an additional 47,000 residents have received evacuation warnings. The flames are threatening over 20,000 structures as the fire faces through highly populated neighborhoods. The combination of dry conditions and wind gusts of 60-80 mph has accelerated the fire’s spread, leaving many residents with little time to gather their belongings and find safety.
Risks Residents Face in the Eaton Fire
Fires like the Eaton Fire can turn lives upside down in an instant, leaving residents to deal with both immediate and long-term consequences. The risks these fires pose extend beyond the flames themselves and can have far-reaching effects on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Some of the primary dangers residents are facing include:
- Loss of life and injury – fires can spread rapidly, trapping individuals and causing severe injuries or fatalities. Tragically, this has already occurred with the Eaton Fire.
- Destruction of property – hundreds of homes and businesses have already been destroyed, leaving families displaced and facing significant financial losses.
- Health hazards – smoke inhalation poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
- Emotional and psychological toll – the sudden loss of homes, belongings, and loved ones can lead to long-term emotional distress and trauma.
“The devastation caused by the Eaton Fire is a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be upended by such disasters,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber, “our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones and to those who are now facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. We are investigating this fire fully to determine whether or not it may be considered a utility fire.”
“With years of experience handling fire claims, our team is committed to helping victims hold the responsible parties accountable to help victims secure the resources they need to recover from their losses. We know that no compensation can undo the harm inflicted, but it can help provide a path forward during this difficult time.”
Seeking Accountability and Legal Recourse
If it is determined that this is a utility fire, residents may be able to pursue compensation for their losses with the help of a fire damage attorney. If investigations reveal that negligence contributed to the fire, victims may be entitled to pursue compensation for:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Evacuation and temporary living expenses
- Wrongful death
- And more
If you have lost a loved one in the Eaton Fire or have been impacted in another way, call the Singleton Schreiber team today at (213) 521-8333 or contact us by email at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule your free consultation to learn more about your options.
