California Launches Investigation into Delayed Evacuation Orders During LA-Area Wildfire

Attorney General cites concerns over disparate impact on historically Black community in Altadena

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a civil rights investigation into how delayed evacuation orders impacted a historically Black community in Altadena that was ravaged by one of last year's deadly wildfires near Los Angeles. The overarching question is whether 'unlawful race, disability, or age-based discrimination in the emergency response' led to a delayed evacuation notification that disproportionately affected west Altadena, where all but one of the 19 fire deaths occurred.

Why it matters

The investigation highlights ongoing concerns about the disparate impact of natural disasters on marginalized communities, as well as the need for more equitable emergency response systems. Experts have pointed to inherent flaws in alert systems that rely on technology, which can leave vulnerable populations at greater risk.

The details

The Eaton Fire was one of two blazes that broke out on January 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying over 9,400 structures. West Altadena received evacuation orders hours after the east side of town and well after homes were already burning. By midnight, roughly six hours after the fire sparked, none of the neighborhoods west of Altadena's North Lake Avenue had been issued an evacuation warning.

  • The Eaton Fire broke out on January 7, 2025.
  • By midnight on January 7, 2025, none of the neighborhoods west of Altadena's North Lake Avenue had received evacuation orders.

The players

Rob Bonta

California's Attorney General who announced the civil rights investigation.

Altadena for Accountability

A group of fire survivors that campaigned for an investigation into the county's fire response over the past year.

Gina Clayton-Johnson

A fire survivor who lost her home and her parents' home, and is heartened by the announcement of the investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The families forever changed because of the Eaton Fire deserve nothing less than our full commitment.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (wral.com)

“Losing my home and seeing my parents lose theirs was devastating. I'm heartened today knowing that we have a real pathway to answers and accountability for what went wrong.”

— Gina Clayton-Johnson, Fire survivor (wral.com)

What’s next

The investigation will primarily focus on the LA County Fire Department, looking at whether the existing systems contributed to the delayed evacuation notices and possible disparities in emergency response. Attorney General Bonta expects officials to voluntarily comply in sharing information with investigators.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the critical need for more equitable emergency response systems that protect vulnerable communities, especially communities of color, from the disproportionate impacts of natural disasters. The findings could lead to important reforms to address the systemic issues that contributed to the delayed evacuation orders and unequal outcomes.