One year ago an ordinary night turned into a nightmare for thousands of Southern California families.
The Eaton and Palisades fires tore through neighborhoods, destroying homes, uprooting lives, and forever changing communities like Altadena. Only now are many families beginning to regain their footing and start the long process of rebuilding not just their homes, but the lives and community they once knew. Good Morning America shares several powerful stories that capture the struggles, resilience, and hope shaping this recovery.
Today, as the community continues to rebuild, many families are still searching for something just as important as reconstruction: accountability.
Remembering What Happened
The Eaton Fire burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed approximately 9,400 structures, and took 19 lives making it the fifth-deadliest and second-most destructive wildfire in California history.
You can see striking “then and now” images of the rebuilding effort as well as the fire’s impact HERE.
A Community Still Asking Questions
In West Altadena, anger and frustration continue to rise. One year later, multiple investigations are ongoing, but survivors say critical questions remain unanswered:
- Why weren’t evacuation alerts sent?
- Why were response failures so concentrated in one community? A community historically known for their black population.
- And who will be held responsible?
Justice delayed is justice denied and families deserve timely answers.
The SCE Settlement Offer: What Victims Should Know
Southern California Edison has rolled out a Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program for those impacted by the Eaton Fire between January 7 and January 31, 2025.
While the program offers payments for losses, there’s an important catch: accepting compensation requires participants to waive their right to sue Edison or seek future recovery through a larger class-action lawsuit at a time when evidence increasingly points to SCE’s faulty equipment as the fire’s cause.
For many families still processing trauma and loss, this decision carries long-term consequences. We break down what this settlement really means and what to consider before signing HERE.
Our Client’s Story: Cecilia’s Escape from the Eaton Fire
Behind every claim is a real person and a real story.
Our client, Cecilia Turcios, lost everything in the Eaton Fire. With no official evacuation order, her only warning was the smell of smoke in the middle of the night. She trusted her instincts, woke her neighbor, Ana Medina, and escaped with seconds to spare before her home went up in flames.
Cecilia’s story is one of survival, courage, and resilience and a reminder that these cases aren’t about numbers on a spreadsheet. They’re about people rebuilding their lives after unimaginable loss.
Click HERE to hear more about Cecilia’s story.
Still Standing With Altadena
Altadena is rebuilding but the fight for accountability is far from over. At CD Law, we remain committed to standing with fire victims, amplifying their voices, and pursuing justice that reflects the true cost of what was lost.
If you or someone you love was impacted by the Eaton Fire and has questions about your rights, we’re here to help.
(213) 593-9095 
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February 18, 2026