Juan Carranza stood next to a bicycle and recounted how National Guard troops had prevented his niece from delivering hot Mexican food at the Altadena evacuation zone. Kristopher Carbone’s generator sputtered near some avocado trees. Paul Harter and his son were urgently searching for portable toilets. Despite the lack of electricity, safe water, and natural gas, these residents felt fortunate that their homes had survived.
The Eaton fire had devastated Altadena, killing at least 16 people and destroying numerous homes. Authorities closed off the town to keep residents out of the evacuation zone. Utility crews and workers continued clearing debris. Despite the dangers, many residents chose to stay, surviving on their provisions and volunteer support.
Shane Jordan described his frantic efforts to protect his neighborhood during the fire. The blaze spared his area, but the devastation was visible in other parts of Altadena.
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Some residents, like Jeff Ridgway, remained to safeguard their properties during the fires. Ridgway stayed behind to protect an apartment building, enduring the aftermath to care for the residents and property.
Friends have been sending care packages to support those who stayed behind, like Ridgway, who described his experience as camping out.
Jonathan Wolfe contributed reporting from Pasadena, Calif. Claire Moses also contributed reporting.