On January 20, 2025, residents of Altadena, California, returned to their homes after evacuation orders were lifted following devastating wildfires. While many houses were destroyed in the area, some homes remained standing but suffered significant smoke and ash damage.
- Evacuation orders lifted in Altadena, Calif.
- Many homes survived but suffered smoke damage.
- Residents faced unexpected indoor air quality issues.
- Wildfires produce harmful smoke and ash.
- Personal protective gear used for safety.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have left a lasting impact on communities like Altadena. Although thousands of structures were lost—approximately 12,000—some homes survived yet are uninhabitable due to smoke and ash contamination. Residents returning to their properties reported overwhelming odors and health concerns related to air quality.
- Over 12,000 structures burned during the wildfire.
- Residents reported severe smoke damage even in undamaged homes.
- Health issues such as headaches and respiratory problems were common among returnees.
Many residents faced unexpected challenges as they re-entered their homes. Arlynn Page described her experience with lingering chemical odors that made it difficult to breathe inside her house. Others like Marcos Barron equipped themselves with respirators before assessing their properties. The aftermath of these fires highlights the hidden dangers of returning home after such disasters.
The situation in Altadena serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding wildfire recovery. While some homes may appear intact from the outside, the internal damage can render them unsafe for habitation without proper remediation efforts.
