ALTADENA (CNS) – Santa Ana winds continued gusting across much of the Southland Wednesday as firefighters neared full containment Wednesday of the Eaton Fire that has destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 17 people.
Containment of the blaze climbed to 91% Wednesday. Firefighters managed to further surround the blaze despite another round of threatening Santa Ana winds that prompted red flag warnings that will be in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.
County officials announced Monday that all residents evacuated from the Altadena area may now return, but noted that some areas are still under an evacuation order featuring “soft closures” — meaning those areas will be open only to residents with valid proof of residence.
Pasadena activated red flag parking restrictions Monday to allow for improved fire department access and resident evacuation on narrow and/or winding roads, city officials said Monday.
Parking will be restricted “on posted narrow and/or winding roads within Pasadena’s urban-wildland interface areas,” a city statement said. “Vehicles on restricted roads will be cited and towed. Additional information, including the complete list of streets with restricted parking, is available at CityOfPasadena.net/Fire/Red-Flag-Parking-Restrictions.”
Officials also urged residents to review their evacuation plans and make sure emergency kits are stocked with needed items should they have to evacuate.
As of Wednesday, 9,418 structures have been confirmed destroyed in the Eaton Fire, and another 1,073 damaged.
The city on Monday announced that all residents in the Altadena area could return to their homes. Although other areas still remained under evacuation orders.
An evacuation center remained open at the Pasadena Convention Center at 300 E. Green St.
Small animals were being taken at the Pasadena Humane Society at 361 S. Raymond Ave., and large animals were being taken at Industry Hills Expo, 16200 Temple Ave., and Pico Rivera Sports Arena, 11003 Sports Arena Drive.
The fire has burned 14,021 acres in Altadena and Pasadena since Jan. 7, leaving at least at least 17 people dead. Eight firefighters have been injured battling the blaze.
SoCalGas officials temporarily shut off natural gas service to thousands of customers in the Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre communities as a safety measure. As of Wednesday, the utility had restored service to 5,126 of those.
The Gas Co. has established an information booth for residents at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at Pasadena City College’s Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Pasadena Unified School District, which includes Altadena, announced that the following 10 schools and programs will re-open on Thursday:
— Hamilton Elementary;
— Willard Elementary & Children’s Center;
— Blair Middle and High School;
— San Rafael Elementary;
— McKinley School;
— Rose City High School;
— Center for Independent Study;
— Pasadena Adult Living Skills;
— Twilight Adult School;
— Aveson Global Leadership Academy.
The entire Angeles National Forest has been closed for public safety and the protection of natural resources through at least Friday.
There were 2,475 personnel assigned to the firefighting effort as of Monday, Cal Fire reported.
The Eaton Fire was reported about 6:20 p.m. Jan. 7 in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid hurricane force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
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