West LA Times

The Eaton Fire, which broke out on January 7, 2025, has had a significant impact on Altadena's Black community. A recent data brief from the UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, and the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute reveals that this community has been disproportionately affected.

According to the report, "61% of Black households in Altadena were located within the Eaton Fire perimeter, compared with 50% of non-Black households." Furthermore, nearly half (48%) of these Black households were either destroyed or suffered major damage. This is in contrast to 37% of non-Black households.

Lorrie Frasure, director of the Bunche Center and professor of political science and African American studies, emphasized the historical context: “Altadena’s Black community has long served as a symbol of resilience and opportunity in the Los Angeles region, but the Eaton Fire exposes how decades of segregation and the legacy of redlining practices have left Black households more vulnerable.”

The report also highlights several challenges faced by this community. Notably, 57% of Black homeowners in Altadena are over age 65. This demographic may be particularly susceptible to issues such as inadequate insurance coverage or predatory financial scams during their recovery process.

The study underscores systemic issues such as redlining that have historically concentrated Black families into areas most affected by disasters like the Eaton Fire. The resulting vulnerabilities are now threatening to interrupt generational wealth transfer within this community.

Paul Ong, research professor and director at the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, noted: “It is critical to place the consequences of the Eaton Fire in a broader historical and societal context.” He emphasized that understanding these contexts highlights ongoing challenges faced by African Americans across the United States.

The authors call for disaster recovery strategies that prioritize not only immediate restoration but also ensure sustainability for historic communities like Altadena's Black community. They stress that without swift action from policymakers and relief organizations, there is a risk of erasing generations of progress made by this vibrant community.