Black Altadena Residents Protest Edison Over Deadly Fire Compensation

Victims demand transparency and more emergency aid from utility after devastating 2025 blaze destroyed their community.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A group of Black residents from Altadena, California gathered outside an event where Southern California Edison was celebrating Black History Month to protest the utility company's response to the deadly Eaton fire that destroyed thousands of homes in their community last year. The protesters are demanding more emergency housing assistance and transparency from Edison about the cause of the fire, which the company has acknowledged was likely sparked by its own equipment.

Why it matters

The Eaton fire devastated the historically Black community of west Altadena, killing 19 people, the majority of whom lived in the area. Residents are frustrated that Edison has not taken full responsibility for the fire and are seeking more substantial compensation to help them rebuild their homes and lives.

The details

The January 2025 Eaton fire destroyed thousands of homes, including the majority of houses in west Altadena, a historically Black neighborhood. All but one of the 19 people who died were from west Altadena. Residents believe the fire would not have happened if not for an old, reenergized transmission line owned by Edison. The utility has acknowledged its equipment was likely the cause but has stopped short of fully accepting blame. Altadena residents are asking Edison to provide each family who lost their home with $200,000 in emergency housing assistance, but the company's voluntary compensation program has faced criticism for not fully covering losses.

  • The Eaton fire occurred on January 7, 2025.
  • The protest outside Edison's Black History Month event took place on February 21, 2026, more than a year after the deadly blaze.

The players

Nicole Vasquez

A member of the group My Tribe Rise, which helped organize the protest against Edison.

Trevor Howard Kelley

A resident who lost his 83-year-old mother, Erliene, in the Eaton fire.

Felicia Ford

A resident who lost her home in the Eaton fire.

Heavenly Hughes

The co-founder of My Tribe Rise and a 50-year resident of Altadena.

Scott Johnson

A spokesperson for Southern California Edison.

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What they’re saying

“They're in there celebrating Black history and they've destroyed a Black town.”

— Nicole Vasquez, Member of My Tribe Rise

“If Edison's tower did not ignite the fire, Altadena would still be there.”

— Trevor Howard Kelley

“We just want the truth. What's wrong with saying, 'We got this wrong.''”

— Felicia Ford

“The intent of the program is to reach final settlements to allow the community to rebuild and move on.”

— Scott Johnson, Spokesperson, Southern California Edison

What’s next

The Los Angeles County district attorney is investigating whether Edison should face criminal prosecution for its actions related to the Eaton fire.

The takeaway

The Eaton fire devastated the historically Black community of west Altadena, and residents are demanding more accountability and assistance from Edison to help them rebuild their homes and lives. This tragedy highlights the disproportionate impact that disasters can have on marginalized communities.