The Eaton fire has left a devastating mark on the community of Altadena, California, destroying over 9,400 structures, including homes and businesses, as it swept through the area in early January 2025. The fire, fueled by extreme winds and dry conditions, wreaked havoc on the tight-knit community nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, prompting urgent evacuations and leaving many residents grappling with loss and uncertainty.
In the aftermath of the blaze, stark contrasts are evident along Lake Avenue, the main commercial thoroughfare. While some businesses, like a local bike shop, were completely consumed by flames, others, such as a nearby Thai restaurant, remain intact but face their own challenges. The restaurant posted a handwritten note on its door, apologizing for being closed due to power outages and the ongoing effects of the fire.
Among the casualties is Steve’s Pet and Bike, a beloved establishment that had served the community for decades. Owner Steve Salinas, who began working there as a teenager, returned to find his shop reduced to rubble. He estimates a loss of approximately $250,000 in tools and merchandise. Despite the devastation, Salinas is determined to rebuild, having already started a GoFundMe campaign to support his efforts. He plans to temporarily operate from a pop-up location while he works on restoring the shop.
The fire’s impact extends beyond physical destruction; it has disrupted the livelihoods of many small business owners. Ashima Gupta, who recently purchased a children’s coding center, found her business intact but effectively out of operation as most of her customers have relocated due to the fire. With utilities still down and a layer of ash coating the center, Gupta expressed concerns about whether families would return. She anticipates a long recovery process, estimating it could take two to three years for her business to bounce back.
The pet store, however, faced a more tragic fate. Carrie Meyers, who took over the pet portion of Steve’s Pet and Bike, lost not only her business but also her home in the fire. After receiving a $25,000 insurance payout, she has focused on helping her former employees, encouraging them to apply for unemployment benefits and starting a GoFundMe to assist them. Meyers has decided not to rebuild, feeling the need to concentrate on her own recovery.
The economic toll of the Eaton fire is staggering, with total losses estimated to exceed $250 billion, marking it as one of the most expensive natural disasters in U.S. history. Nearly 1,900 small businesses were located within the fire’s burn zone, and many are now facing a crisis, whether they survived the flames or not. Business owners are wrestling with insurance claims, loan applications, and the daunting decision of whether to rebuild.
As the community begins to heal, the resilience of its residents is evident. Salinas, Gupta, and Meyers, along with many others, are navigating the difficult path ahead, determined to restore their lives and businesses in the wake of this catastrophic event. The fire may have ravaged their community, but the spirit of Altadena remains strong, with residents committed to supporting one another as they rebuild from the ashes.