One of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires on record in California destroyed homes, business and entire neighborhoods in the San Gabriel Valley community of Altadena.
With roots dating to shortly after statehood, Altadena has a rich history of strength and resilience, both of which will be called upon again as rebuilding efforts take shape after the Eaton Fire. Seventeen people were killed in the fire that started on the terrifying night of Jan. 7 in a ferocious Santa Ana windstorm and spread to more than 14,000 acres.
More than 9,400 structures were destroyed, including more than 6,000 homes. Many more were damaged.
Throughout February, NBCLA's "Altadena: Roots and Resilience" will explore the community's history and the challenges it faces after the fire.
This article will be updated with videos below.
'Altadena is my life.' NBC4 photojournalist loses home to Eaton Fire
Thousands of Altadena residents lost their homes to the Eaton Fire. Among them was NBC4 photojournalist Mark Mehlinger. He recalls watching the flames consume his childhood community as he worked to inform the public of the disaster through his job.
Eaton Fire destroys family medical clinic built on years of trust
After five decades of providing medical care for the community of Altadena, a family lost its clinic -- built on years of history and trust -- to the Eaton Fire. The clinic, a cornerstone of healthcare for residents, was founded by Dr. Michelle Tyson and Dr. Amber Tyson’s parents. The family is still caring for patients at the same time they take steps to rebuild.
Filmmaker loses home in Eaton Fire on same day of new film premiere
An Altadena filmmakers was excited on Jan. 7, 2025, having finished up a short file with a premiere set for that day. But just miles north of the theater where his film was screened, the Eaton Fire broke out that same night.
Altadena races to preserve historic Batchelder tiles from Eaton Fire ashes
Preservationists are in a race to save historic fireplace tiles from the rubble of the Eaton Fire. The artistic Batchelder tiles, often the only things left behind at burned down properties, became popular at homes and businesses in Altadena and across the country. The community is trying to save as many as they can.
Altadena barber offers free haircuts and therapeutic conversation
After the Eaton Fire, an Altadena barber offers free haircuts to victims of the fire. Jason Fernandez's family and friends lost homes in the fire, but he's finding parallels between his hometown and his trade and profession. Fernandez has provided more than 100 haircuts, which often are therapeutic, he said.
"You want to get a Black man to talk about something, sit him down in a barber's chair," said customer Lionel Humphrey Jr., whose home burned in the fire. "I need this smile, right now. I really do."
Humphrey Jr. sat for a haircut on a day of light rain outside in a park where he met Fernandez. See what happened below.
'A new chapter will start.' Salvaging the remains at Funky Junk Farms
Long-time collectors and preservationists of vintage Americana, two friends are picking up the pieces after the Eaton Fire. See what's left and what's next for Funky Junk Farms.
Altadena architects strive to preserve community and culture
Black architects affected by the Eaton Fire are looking forward not only to rebuilding their homes, but a community built on generations of history.
LA Urban League president surveys Eaton Fire damage
The National Urban League President, Marc Morial, surveyed the destroyed homes in the historic Black community of Altadena.
Exploring Altadena's history
Altadena's foundation just after statehood was based on agricultural with citrus groves surrounding stunning estates in the foothills northeast of Los Angeles, but the community and its population changed over the years. Author and historian Alison Rose Jefferson offers a look at the early days of Altadena and how it became a quiet corner of the California dream.
Artist paints Altadena before and after the Eaton Fire
An artist who painted everyday scenes in Altadena returned to those locations to paint what remained after the Eaton Fire.
Keni Arts has been going through his old work, finding a spot and returning to paint what it looks like today -- more of than not, charred remains of a building. He then posts his heartbreaking works of art side by side with the originals, a difficult dichotomy to accept, but one that is helping him heal.
Octavia's Bookshelf in Pasadena becomes resource hub for fire evacuees
An Altadena woman’s bookstore made it through the Eaton Fire but was still transformed by the disaster, turning into a resource hub, and healing haven for the community. Octavia’s Bookshelf, the only Black-owned independent bookstore in Pasadena, put out a community call for donations, pulling the books down and filling the shelves with donated goods such as air purifiers.
What took generations to build crumbled in just hours
When the Eaton Fire erupted on Jan. 7, it swept through the scenic community of Altadena, destroying more than 9,000 homes and buildings. The flames didn’t just consume property — they tore through the heart of a neighborhood rich in history, culture, and generational legacy.
For many Black families, the devastation went beyond the loss of physical homes. It marked the erasure of generational wealth painstakingly built over decades.
97-year-old looks to rebuild beloved Altadena home
The Nelsons were among the first Black families to move into Altadena, a longtime refuge for Black families legally barred from buying homes in other parts of LA County. Irene Nelson shares her experience after losing her home of more than 50 years in the Eaton Fire.
Young athletes and families unite in tragedy
Young athletes learning difficult lessons about life's challenges both on and off the field and their families were among those who lost homes in the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena. Together, they are applying some of those lessons in the aftermath of one of the most destructive wildfires on record.
Mapping the Eaton Fire's devastation
Los Angeles County's Eaton Fire damage assessment is depicted in the map below. It shows buildings damaged and destroyed in the second-most destructive wildfire on record in California.
9,418 structures destroyed
- 6,011 homes
- 100 multi-family homes
- 4 mixed use structures
- 154 commercial structures
- 3,134 minor structures
- 1 infrastructure units
1,073 Structures Damaged
- 645 homes
- 22 multi-family homes
- 30 commercial structures
- 208 minor structures
Only the November 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County resulted in more destruction (18,800 structures).
