As a devastating wildfire swept through Altadena, California in the early hours of January 8th, Jackie McDaniels found herself in a frantic race to reach her brother-in-law. He had called to report that the flames had reached his home, where he was trapped inside with his son.
Anthony Mitchell, 68, the husband of McDaniels’ late sister, had his leg amputated due to diabetes three years prior. Though he could have escaped in his wheelchair, he refused to leave his son, Justin, 38, who suffered from cerebral palsy and required assistance to move. With no caregivers or family present, they reached out for emergency help as the situation grew dire.
Risking her own safety, McDaniels rushed to Mitchell’s one-story cottage on West Terrace Street as he pleaded with her over the phone to stay connected. She witnessed the garage engulfed in flames and heard Mitchell reassuring Justin that he was coming to save him.
Despite her efforts, the situation escalated as a firefighter warned McDaniels that it was likely too late to rescue the trapped pair. The wildfires, which had caught many in Los Angeles County by surprise, claimed numerous lives and destroyed countless homes due to the fierce winds and dry conditions.
Many of the victims were elderly or disabled, making it challenging for them to evacuate swiftly without assistance. Evacuation orders came too late for some, while others believed they could defend their homes against the fast-approaching flames, only to find themselves overwhelmed.
The aftermath of the tragedy has prompted a reckoning with California’s wildfire response and the need for more robust systems to provide timely warnings and aid to those in danger. The stories of the victims highlight the vulnerabilities that prevented them from reaching safety despite early indicators of a looming disaster.
As California grapples with the increasing threat of wildfires exacerbated by climate change, the question remains whether sufficient resources will be allocated to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Are we going to leave people to fend for themselves in times of disaster, or will we provide the necessary services and support? The rapid and intense wildfires on Jan. 7 caught Los Angeles off guard.
The fatal fire in Eaton Canyon was initially reported around 6:18 p.m. on Jan. 7. Emergency alerts started reaching residents in the eastern part of Altadena half an hour later. Evacuation orders were issued at 7:26 p.m. However, those living in the western part of town, like Anthony and Justin Mitchell, did not receive any alerts until 3:25 a.m. the following day.
Anthony had requested assistance from paramedics the night before to evacuate to his sister’s house for safety, but no one arrived. When he called 911 in the early hours of Jan. 8, it was too late. Despite his assurance to his sister that help was on the way, the fire reached their home before any assistance arrived.
As the fire rapidly approached, Jackie McDaniels barely escaped the thick smoke, feeling helpless knowing people were still inside. Those with disabilities are especially vulnerable in disasters and rely heavily on early warnings and swift evacuation.
Advocates stress the importance of proactive planning for disabled individuals in emergency response programs. However, a 2019 report highlighted the insufficient protection for older adults and disabled individuals during disasters in California. While efforts have been made to involve disabled individuals in emergency planning in the Los Angeles area, advocates argue that more needs to be done.
Jordan Mitchell was hospitalized when he lost his father and brother to the fire, with his sister expressing anger at the lack of timely rescue efforts. The tragic event underscores the critical need for inclusive emergency strategies that prioritize the safety of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Erliene Kelley, an 83-year-old retired pharmacy technician from Altadena, chose not to evacuate her home during a recent fire despite offers from her family. She recalled a fire from decades ago when her area was evacuated but no houses burned down. Her granddaughter, Briana Navarro, who lived with her, evacuated with her family while Kelley decided to stay. Navarro later discovered that her grandmother did not receive some of her text messages. Kelley’s son, Trevor Kelley, tried to convince her to leave, but she refused, citing news of a voluntary evacuation. Unfortunately, she did not make it out in time and her house was destroyed in the fire. Her body was later found in the wreckage.
The delay in evacuation alerts in Altadena raised concerns, as 17 people died in the fire, many of whom were elderly or disabled. Investigations have been launched to determine the causes and responses to the disaster. Los Angeles County officials are reviewing emergency notification systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized the importance of following evacuation orders and suggested implementing a database to track individuals with mobility issues.
Challenges such as health crises or other emergencies can be particularly difficult to manage, especially when facing an impending disaster. Fire Chief Marrone emphasized the risks his firefighters took to evacuate individuals and protect homes during the recent fires. Unfortunately, they were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation, battling multiple large fires under extreme conditions. Marrone highlighted the unpreparedness of Los Angeles County and its fire departments for such widespread disasters.
The fires on January 7 spread rapidly through neighborhoods like Altadena, outpacing the firefighters’ efforts. Furthermore, issues arose with the county’s alert system, with evacuation warnings mistakenly sent to nearly 10 million homes. Some residents received incorrect or repetitive alerts, leading to confusion and unnecessary panic. Lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, called for explanations from federal agencies and the software company responsible for the alerts, stressing the importance of clear and timely emergency communications.
In Pacific Palisades, residents faced challenges evacuating as roads became congested following the fire outbreak. Randy Miod, an experienced local surfer, chose to stay behind, believing he could defend his home with a hose. Tragically, Miod’s home was consumed by the fire, leading to a devastating outcome. Similarly, Victor Shaw, who had deep roots in his Altadena home, also stayed to protect his property and was later found deceased on the premises.
These incidents serve as reminders of the risks and consequences associated with natural disasters, emphasizing the need for effective emergency preparedness and communication strategies to safeguard lives and property.
Standing in front of the house with a hose in his hand, Miller spoke in a somber tone. The passing of this individual has resulted in a significant gap, along with numerous uncertainties. Why were there no evacuation orders issued earlier? Why were firefighters not present to assist in extinguishing the flames or at least convince him to depart from the premises? “If circumstances had been different,” Miller lamented, “I believe he would still be among us.”
