California Launches Probe into Delayed Evacuation Orders During LA 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 ravaged by a deadly 2025 wildfire near Los Angeles. The overarching question is whether 'unlawful race, disability, or age-based discrimination' led to delayed evacuation notices that disproportionately affected west Altadena, where all but one of the 19 fire deaths occurred.

Why it matters

The investigation highlights growing concerns over disparities in emergency response and evacuation procedures, especially for marginalized communities. It comes after an independent report found 'conflicting and outdated policies' around evacuation decision-making in LA County, which will be a key focus of the probe.

The details

The Eaton Fire was one of two blazes that broke out on Jan. 7, 2025, killing 19 people and destroying over 9,400 structures. West Altadena, a historically Black community, 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 started, 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 LA County's fire response.

Gina Clayton-Johnson

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

Chauncia Willis-Johnson

Founder of the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management, who said decision-making in emergency management comes with built-in biases that can leave marginalized populations behind.

LA County Fire Department

The department that will be a key focus of the investigation, looking at whether existing systems contributed to the delayed evacuation notices and possible disparities in emergency response.

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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 (newser.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 (newser.com)

“When you're not prioritizing historically marginalized populations that don't have the resources to get alerts or warnings any other way ... you're leaving them behind.”

— Chauncia Willis-Johnson, Founder, Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (newser.com)

What’s next

The investigation will focus on the LA County Fire Department and whether existing systems contributed to the delayed evacuation notices and possible disparities in emergency response. Officials are expected to voluntarily comply in sharing information with investigators.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the critical need for emergency response systems and evacuation procedures to prioritize equity and the unique needs of marginalized communities. It underscores the disparate impacts that climate change-fueled disasters can have on vulnerable populations, and the importance of holding authorities accountable for their emergency management decisions.