Victims of the Eaton fire, which recently devastated parts of Altadena, have relocated from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to a new shelter at the Pamela Park gymnasium in Duarte, as confirmed by officials from the American Red Cross. This transition took place on Friday, following a significant reduction in the number of evacuees residing at the auditorium, which had served as a temporary refuge for those affected by the disaster.
The fire, which ignited on January 7, has had a catastrophic impact, destroying over 9,400 homes and structures and resulting in 17 fatalities. In light of the ongoing recovery efforts, city officials and the Red Cross determined that moving the remaining evacuees to a smaller facility would better accommodate their needs as the situation evolves. At its peak, the Pasadena shelter housed approximately 1,500 individuals, but that number has since dwindled to about 250.
Pasadena Civic Auditorium, a historic venue known for hosting events such as “America’s Got Talent,” is set to resume its regular programming, including the upcoming NAACP Image Awards on February 22 and live shows for “America’s Got Talent” on March 14 and 19. The auditorium’s management has requested that it be returned to the city by early February, prompting the necessity for the shelter’s relocation.
In Duarte, fire evacuees will continue to receive essential services, including meals and mental health support. Red Cross transition specialists are on hand to assist residents in finding transportation and developing plans for permanent housing. The Red Cross is actively working to connect these individuals with federal, state, and county resources to facilitate their recovery.
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has emphasized the importance of ensuring that those affected by the fire have access to critical resources as they adjust to their new shelter. She is also encouraging local property owners to consider renting to fire victims in need of housing, particularly in areas close to the fire’s impact zone.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating fire, efforts are underway to provide stability and support to families striving to rebuild their lives. The collaboration between local authorities, the Red Cross, and community members aims to foster a pathway to recovery for those affected by this disaster.