Firm finds LA county officials did not discriminate in response to Eaton fire
A consulting firm found that Los Angeles county fire officials did not discriminate based on race or socioeconomic status during the response to the Eaton fire. The investigation was prompted by concerns over delays in evacuation orders, particularly in the Altadena area. While the report concluded that officials acted appropriately, local advocacy groups criticized it for relying too heavily on insider accounts rather than resident experiences.
- ▪The Eaton fire began on January 7, 2025, destroying over 9,000 buildings and resulting in 19 fatalities.
- ▪Citygate Associates conducted an investigation into the evacuation response and found no discrimination in the officials' actions.
- ▪Critics argue that the report downplayed the experiences of residents and relied too much on the perspectives of fire department insiders.
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Homes being rebuilt amid cleared lots where homes were destroyed by the Eaton fire, on 4 May in Altadena, California. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenHomes being rebuilt amid cleared lots where homes were destroyed by the Eaton fire, on 4 May in Altadena, California. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty ImagesLos AngelesFirm finds LA county officials did not discriminate in response to Eaton fireAltadena group pans report as ‘pages of deflection’ and cites reliance on ‘department insiders’ rather than residentsUwa Ede-OsifoTue 19 May 2026 19.11 EDTLast modified on Tue 19 May 2026 19.12 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleLos Angeles county fire officials did not discriminate on the basis of race or socioeconomic status and did not delay in their evacuation orders…
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