**Eaton Fire Devastates Pasadena and Altadena Communities: Residents Urged to Evacuate**
A raging fire broke out Tuesday night in the hills above Altadena near Eaton Canyon, igniting a sense of urgency among firefighters and residents alike. The Eaton fire, now consuming over 400 acres, has forced evacuations in the area west of the Eaton Canyon Golf Course, as confirmed by the U.S. Forest Service. Urgent action was taken to ensure the safety of those living in the vicinity, with mandatory evacuation orders issued for several streets, including Kinneloa Canyon Road, Outpost Lane, and Coolidge Avenue.
Residents Urged to Heed Evacuation Warnings
Pasadena officials swiftly issued mandatory evacuations for the area north of New York Drive, east of Altadena Drive, and west of Sierra Madre Villa Avenue. Lisa Derderian, a spokeswoman for Pasadena, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging residents to heed the evacuation orders. “We’re not playing around here,” Derderian stated firmly. The intensity of the fire, fueled by strong winds, has prompted officials to suspend air coverage, leaving firefighters to battle the blaze on the ground, prioritizing the protection of homes and lives.
Community Grapples with Devastation
The impact of the Eaton fire has been felt deeply by residents, with several homes already burned to the ground. The exact number of homes affected remains unknown at this time. The rapid spread of the fire has forced officials to evacuate individuals from a nearby convalescent home near Washington Boulevard and Altadena Drive, highlighting the urgent need for swift action in the face of danger.
Schools Close Amidst Fire Threat
In response to the escalating fire threat, all schools within the Pasadena Unified School District will remain closed on Wednesday. Additionally, several other school districts, including Alhambra, Glendale, and Burbank, have also opted to close their doors for the day. The Bert Fire, a separate blaze in east Pasadena, has added to the challenges faced by residents, expanding to three acres just before 10 p.m. on Tuesday night.
As the Eaton fire continues to ravage the Pasadena and Altadena communities, residents are urged to prioritize their safety and adhere to evacuation orders without delay. The collective effort to combat this devastating fire serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of these closely-knit neighborhoods in the face of adversity.