Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media
The Eaton Fire has caused devastation in Southern California, including the Black and Brown communities of Pasadena and Altadena, where homeowners are grappling with unimaginable loss. Among them is Ruth Hopkins, publisher of The Pasadena Journal, who lost her family home and over 60 years of archives documenting the rich history, culture, and lives of Black residents in the Altadena-Pasadena area. The fire has consumed over 10,000 acres, damaged and destroyed an estimated 7,000 structures, and claimed at least 16 lives. The fires have displaced thousands of people, including Black and Brown families, and have destroyed six historically Black Churches in Pasadena and Altadena. The Eaton Fire is the second largest fire currently burning in Southern California. READ MORE
Fire crews walk past the ashes of a home and an open gas leak which continues to burn.Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
For many in Altadena staying in their homes meant keeping the flames from their neighbors house from spreading. Garden hoses and dilligence were often the only tools available. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
A mailbox and a citrus tree are the only remaining structures on this property.. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
A fire fighter walks back to the truch as another crewmwmber uses a shovel to put out a relatively small fire. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
A sign marking a neighborhood corner remains standing amid a smoke filled sky and falling ashe. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
A view of the interior of a burned structure. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
A man stands at what was once the front porch still decorated for Christmas. Some people returned to sift through the ashes and recpver what they could. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
Firefighter puts water onto a downed transformer. Although there was no power the chemicals and caustic smoke remain dangerous. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
A lone staircase anda scalloped wall are all that remain of a residence. The Eaton Fire burned down and estimated 200-500 structures. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
Waiting patiently, a fire crew watches for sparks from a downed transformer. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
The blue flames of a gas leak can be seen in the remains of a structure fire. Many of these gas leaks were a serious problem for nearby home owners with intact homes worried about explosions or embers.Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
A home completely burned to the ground continues to smolder. Many of the structures which had already burned could spread the fire to other homes. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
Trees and bushes in or near yards were often the first spark that set a home on fire. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
An abandoned car sits near a burning garage and the remains of the attached home. Many people opted to leave during the evacuation but returned to find little remained of their home.Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
Firefighters look for the gas main and inspect for flare ups. Shutting off the gass and putting out flames in already burned homes saved man nearby homes that escaped the fire. Altadena, Calif.. Wendsday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
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