The Eaton Canyon fire on January 7 became an unprecedented crisis for Los Angeles-area fire agencies due to hurricane-force winds and limited visibility from thick smoke. A mobile command center was established but faced chaotic conditions, with the fire moving erratically. Evacuation orders for Altadena residents were delayed by almost nine hours, despite the rapid spread of the fire, leading to scrutiny and an independent investigation in light of the tragedy that claimed 17 lives. The situation stressed already taxed county resources from prior fires.
"It was chaotic? Absolutely," said John Miller, a U.S. Forest Service spokesman, revealing the tumultuous and unpredictable nature of the fire response.
The delayed evacuation notices for residents raised serious questions about emergency preparedness and response times, especially as flames drew dangerously close.
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