Attorneys for Eaton Fire Victims Raise Concerns About West Altadena’s Emergency Response
Questions Arise Surrounding Emergency Response in West Altadena
Attorneys representing victims of the Eaton Fire are raising concerns about the emergency response in West Altadena as wildfires swept through the region. The investigation, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, is exploring the potential impact of race, age, or disability discrimination on evacuation warnings issued during the crisis.
Civil rights attorneys Carl Douglas and Ben Crump are closely monitoring the state’s inquiry. They highlight a stark disparity in evacuation notifications, with residents on the west side of Altadena receiving alerts significantly later than those on the east side. “18 of the 19 victims who died in that fire lived on the west side,” Crump noted, underscoring the tragic consequences of these delays. Douglas has indicated that a civil rights lawsuit may be forthcoming, should the investigation substantiate claims of discrimination.
“If the facts show there was no discrimination, so be it,” Douglas stated. “But if the facts reveal that decisions were influenced by the racial composition of the community, then we will seek accountability.”
Family members of the victims have repeatedly questioned the emergency response, seeking clarity on why some residents were unable to escape the blaze. Rodney Nickerson, for instance, never left his bed at his home on Alta Pine Drive, while 83-year-old Earline Kelley was trapped in her Tonia Street residence by the time her son arrived; every house on the street had already been consumed by flames.
In response to Bonta’s investigation, LA County officials have claimed cooperation and asserted that they do not believe discrimination played a role. They are also reviewing a whistleblower complaint that alleges the person responsible for issuing emergency evacuation notices may have fallen asleep during his shift. This has raised questions, particularly from relatives of victims, about how such a lapse could occur in only one part of the neighborhood.
An Independent After Action report revealed “outdated policies, inconsistent practices, and communication vulnerabilities,” which LA County officials and the fire department are now addressing. The investigation by Attorney General Bonta is expected to continue through the fall, with a potential release date of September 25 for its findings.
