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

Attorney General cites concerns over disparate impact on historically Black community

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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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 a deadly wildfire in 2025. The investigation will focus on whether unlawful discrimination based on race, disability, or age contributed to the delayed evacuation notices, which resulted in disproportionate harm to the west side of Altadena.

Why it matters

The investigation highlights growing concerns over the disparate impact of natural disasters on marginalized communities, and the critical role that emergency response systems play in protecting vulnerable populations during climate-related crises.

The details

The Eaton Fire, one of two blazes that broke out on January 7, 2025, killed 19 people and destroyed over 9,400 structures in the Altadena area. All but one of the deaths occurred in west Altadena, which 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 west Altadena neighborhoods had received evacuation orders.

The players

Rob Bonta

California's Attorney General, who announced the civil rights investigation into the delayed evacuation orders.

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 who is heartened by the announcement of the investigation.

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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 (wbal.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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The investigation will focus on the LA County Fire Department's role in the delayed evacuation orders, and officials are expected to voluntarily comply in sharing information with investigators.

The takeaway

This investigation underscores the critical need for emergency response systems that prioritize the safety and well-being of all community members, regardless of race, disability, or age, during climate-related disasters. The disparate impact on the historically Black community of west Altadena highlights the systemic inequities that must be addressed to ensure equitable disaster response and recovery efforts.