State investigators have cited two senior care facilities for leaving residents behind during the Eaton fire on January 7. The California Department of Social Services published reports detailing the circumstances of three women who were left in immediate danger as the fire approached. Both facilities have appealed the findings.
At MonteCedro in west Altadena, staff failed to follow emergency procedures, leaving two women, including a 100-year-old, behind. The executive director did not inform on-site staff of evacuation protocols before leaving, and most administrative personnel had no emergency training. Staff began evacuations the following morning, but it took hours to realize two residents were missing. Deputies later found them in the building, with one woman seen roaming the halls with flames visible outside.
The Terraces at Park Marino in Pasadena also faced scrutiny. One resident was left in a room and had to be evacuated by the Fire Department. The facility was cited for posing an immediate risk to residents. Pasadena Fire Captain Trey Sorensen described the life-and-death circumstances during the evacuation, noting that staff initially reported everyone was out before a call revealed a resident still inside.
The Eaton fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, burned 14,120 acres and resulted in 19 deaths, though none were from senior care facilities. The investigations have highlighted the need for better emergency planning and training in senior care homes. Both facilities have since taken steps to improve their emergency protocols.
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