The Eaton Fire, one of four active wildfires in Los Angeles County, has decimated neighborhoods in Altadena and Pasadena, burning more than 10,600 acres and destroying 972 structures. The fire, which erupted Tuesday night next to Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive, was fed by Santa Ana winds gusting to 100 mph, exploding overnight and leaving five confirmed dead.

Over 700 firefighters — including hand crews, fire engines and water tenders — are currently fighting the fire, which was not contained as of Thursday morning. While coverage of the climate-induced apocalypse in California often zeros in on the plight of the famous, who lose their multi-million-dollar homes in the likes of the Palisades and Malibu, the effect of the Eaton Fire in Altadena demonstrates a different truth.

The fire has disproportionately impacted working and middle-class families, including many Black residents who have lived in Altadena for generations. Caught in the destruction are historically significant landmarks, small businesses and family homes that have been woven into the fabric of this community for decades.

Altadena has long served as a refuge for Black families seeking asylum from systemic racism, a sanctuary where they can thrive. The Great Migration, a movement in the early 20th century, where many African Americans moved west to escape the Jim Crow South. Altadena’s open spaces and relative affordability compared with neighboring Pasadena made it an attractive destination. By the 1920s and 1930s, a thriving Black community had taken root and flourished, overcoming redlining and restrictive housing covenants to create a rich cultural and social network.

Altadena developed a reputation as a haven for Black professionals, educators and creatives. Altadena became home to notable figures such as Willa Beatrice Brown, the first Black woman in the United States to receive a commercial pilot’s license, and cemented Altadena’s status as a center of Black excellence. Essential institutions emerged, such as churches like Altadena Baptist Church, community organizations and cultural events that instilled a sense of togetherness and pride.

The Eaton Fire hit near the center of this historic Black community, shattering homes and businesses that are more than financial investments but also cultural heritage. For generations, Black families have struggled to hold their ground in Altadena as systemic racism has threatened their place in society, cultivating strong familial and social ties. The loss of these homes is not just a private tragedy, but a loss to a community history.

Unlike reports of celebrity losses in Malibu, the devastation in Altadena illustrates how wildfires magnify inequalities, leaving poorer neighborhoods, often communities of color, with fewer resources to recover. Black churches, local organizations and neighbors have also filled the gap to provide relief, including shelter, supplies and emotional support for those displaced.

From fire to earthquake, this is the latest chapter in a long history of resilience for the Black community of Altadena. From combating housing oppression to championing fair education, Black residents have consistently worked to carve out a home for Altadenans where generations can thrive. Today, with the community dealing with both systemic inequities and natural disasters, rebuilding efforts show a deep commitment to preserving its legacy.

Community leaders and historians are trying to document the toll exacted by the fire, and promote equitable access to resources for recovery. Oral histories, educational programs and cultural celebrations all continue to honor Altadena’s Black residents and the need for urgent support in the aftermath of nearly insurmountable devastation. The proud history of Altadena is a reflection of the tenacity and resilience of its people.