LOS ANGELES, CA – Residents displaced by the Eaton Fire, which has ravaged large swaths of Pasadena and Altadena, will be permitted a one-time visit to their homes, city officials announced Friday. The announcement comes as firefighting efforts continue, and the California National Guard provides additional security in evacuation zones.
“Law enforcement is allowing residents in the evacuation area a single visit to access their homes with reasonable verification,” the city of Pasadena said in a statement. “We encourage residents to be prepared to gather any and all documents or items needed during this one-time entry.”
Officials underscored that the allowance for home visits is strictly limited to ensure safety and facilitate orderly operations within the evacuation zone. Residents are advised to come prepared, as further access to homes may not be possible until evacuation orders are fully lifted.
The California National Guard, deployed Thursday by Governor Gavin Newsom, is bolstering local law enforcement efforts to secure properties and maintain order in the affected areas. Their presence has enabled officials to extend this limited access to residents while ensuring ongoing safety.
The Eaton Fire, which has burned 13,690 acres and is only 3% contained as of Friday morning, has already claimed at least five lives. Thousands of structures remain under threat, and evacuation orders continue to impact large portions of the region.
Despite the temporary reprieve for residents, officials cautioned that conditions remain hazardous, with firefighters still battling active flames and dealing with downed power lines and gas leaks. The presence of the National Guard has also helped deter looting in evacuation zones, with at least 20 arrests reported in connection to such crimes earlier this week.
Authorities reiterated that residents accessing their homes must adhere to strict guidelines, including providing identification and proof of residency. Local officials urged anyone entering the area to exercise caution and adhere to safety instructions.
The fire, which started earlier this week amid fierce Santa Ana winds, is one of several wildfires devastating Southern California. As containment efforts continue, authorities remain focused on minimizing further loss of life and property while supporting displaced residents.
For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to monitor official city channels and emergency alert systems.
