Despite Decrease in Wildfire Threat to Populated Areas, Rep. Chu Encourages Vigilance and Caution

PASADENA, CA — Today, at the conclusion of a tour of the Eaton Fire Central Command at the Rose Bowl and devastated neighborhoods across Altadena, California, Rep. Chu issued the following statement:

“I am absolutely heartbroken after touring the destruction and devastation across communities impacted by the Eaton Fire in my congressional district. Across Altadena and northern Pasadena, a wall of deadly fire took neighbors’ lives and destroyed the structures that provided stability to countless families’ hopes, dreams, and memories. Institutions including the Altadena Community Church, Mariposa Junction, Elliot Arts Magnet Academy, Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, and home after home – where community was built in the San Gabriel Valley – are unrecognizable and potentially unsalvageable. While the Eaton Fire has moved north, it’s now threatening Mt. Wilson, where a critical communications center is set up for our press outlets to tell our stories to our region and the world. Dozens of frontline firefighters at Mt. Wilson have so far protected the area from severe damage or interrupted communications, and it’s my hope conditions will not worsen that threaten that heroic work. 

“With winds expected to pick up multiple times in the coming days, Angelenos around the county cannot let their guards down: monitor local officials’ evacuation orders, have a to-go bag at the ready, and flee if and when evacuation orders come down. Those who’ve safely fled from evacuation zones should apply for federal assistance that’s now available on disasterassistance.gov after last night’s major disaster declaration by President Biden. My office and I will continue assisting in whatever way we can in response and recovery efforts.”

Last night’s Major Disaster declaration for California by President Biden  unlocks immediate and long-term relief for residents and businesses impacted by the ongoing wildfires. These residents and business owners can begin applying for that assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. This relief includes: displacement assistance for up to 14 days to help cover hotel costs for those forced to evacuate, $770 for essential items, and larger direct grants to cover essential costs, medical bills, cars, and more. Small Business Administration low-interest loans are available for impacted small business owners and residents.

For ongoing updates on the Eaton Fire, please visit: chu.house.gov/EatonFire

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