Powerful winds on Jan. 8 drove flames from Eaton Canyon through Altadena, prompting early evacuations and destroying many neighborhood homes. A few houses initially appeared intact but later ignited, and fire suppression efforts were hampered by lack of water. The Eaton Fire ultimately destroyed 6,000 homes and killed at least 19 people. Many displaced residents face unaffordable rebuilding because insurance will not cover full costs and reconstruction would take years. By early June nearly 150 damaged lots had been sold, at least half to corporate buyers, often with unsolicited cash offers far above asking prices. Rapid lot sales raise fears of displacement and loss of Altadena’s multigenerational, multicultural character.
At first, Sylvie Andrews thought her home had survived the fire. Like many of their neighbors in Altadena, California, she and her partner evacuated in the early hours of Jan. 8, as 60 mph winds propelled flames west from Eaton Canyon through the unincorporated foothill community just outside Los Angeles. By late the next morning, many of the homes in their neighborhood had burned to the ground - but a neighbor called to say their house was still standing.
Seven months later, she understands the feeling behind all the "For Sale" signs going up on burned-out lots around Altadena. The Eaton Fire destroyed 6,000 homes and killed at least 19 people. The prospect of returning is daunting: For her and many other residents, insurance won't cover the cost of rebuilding, and the work itself would take years. But for Andrews, who has lived in Altadena nearly all her life, the signs also indicate an ominous trend: Her community is being bought up by developers.
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