The Eaton fire has wrought devastation across the Altadena area, claiming the lives of at least 16 people and consuming over 14,000 acres (2,833 hectares) of land. Among the deceased are several residents from Altadena, a community deeply rooted in history and homeownership for Black Americans. The inferno has damaged more than 7,000 structures, leaving a trail of destruction that disproportionately affects this community. Historically, Black Americans have faced significant barriers in building generational wealth through homeownership due to discriminatory housing policies. Altadena, however, stood as a beacon of progress, with 81% of its Black residents owning their homes by 2023—a figure nearly double the national average. The fire has not only obliterated homes but also threatened to erase the town’s longstanding Black history.
Altadena was one of the hardest-hit areas by the Eaton fire. From 1960 to 1970, Black homeownership in Altadena surged from 4% to 27%, marking a significant step forward against systemic obstacles such as redlining, deed restrictions, and lending discrimination. Despite these challenges, the community thrived. However, the sweeping destruction of Altadena means that generations of Black families no longer have their longstanding homes. The high cost of repair now threatens Altadena’s Black community, further exacerbating the decline in Black families residing in both Altadena and Pasadena.
The fire's impact on Altadena is more than just physical; it is cultural and emotional. The town, which once had 30% Black residents in 2000, now sees that number reduced to 18% among its 42,846 residents. This decline highlights the broader national issues where Black homeownership rates have been stifled. The destruction extended to homes of notable Black residents like acclaimed author Octavia Butler and renowned artist Charles W. White.
"When we got there, the whole backyard was engulfed in flames," – Taylor
Taylor Williams, a resident, described the terrifying scene during the fire's outbreak. The blaze spared no one, indiscriminately razing homes and memories. Charles, another resident who lost his home, lamented the irretrievable loss of family mementos.
"Those are memories, pictures and everything, that I’ll never be able to replace, because my father’s family is all gone." – Charles
"This is where I had planned to live my last days at, on that property." – Charles
The fire has not only taken physical belongings but has also severed ties to familial heritage and future aspirations.
"I lost my husband’s wedding ring, his gold necklace," – Charles
Such personal losses resonate deeply within the community.
"These are things that you can’t get back. You just keep them. The next generation, they have it, and it’s tangible proof of your legacy and your history," – Angelika Perry
"But the fire doesn’t discriminate in that way." – Angelika Perry
The destruction underscores a harsh reality—the indiscriminate nature of natural disasters that erode historical legacies.
Altadena’s unique sense of community was built on a foundation of shared struggles and triumphs over discriminatory policies.
"It was what made Altadena unique, as far as the Black community," – Julian Perry
"Our parents fought to own their properties and [did] the best they could to protect them [for us]." – Julian Perry
These sentiments reflect the determination of previous generations who persevered to establish a sense of belonging and security.
The fire has sparked legal actions and grassroots movements. The NAACP has filed a lawsuit on behalf of some Black homeowners in the area, seeking justice and reparations for those affected. Meanwhile, an online campaign warns residents about developers who might seek to exploit the catastrophe for profit.
The historical context is essential in understanding the gravity of this loss. Michele Zack notes past injustices:
"They destroyed and condemned the biggest, Black neighborhood in Pasadena [amid construction]," – Michele Zack
The Eaton fire carries echoes of these past displacements, threatening to repeat history by displacing longstanding communities.
"What got our Black families there was being able to feel comfortable and feeling like you are living on top of a hill," – Stephán McGrue
Stephán McGrue highlights why Black families initially found solace in Altadena—a place they could call home without fear.