Residents of an apartment complex damaged by the Eaton Fire are speaking out after they say their units remain unlivable and are posing a danger to their health.
A protest was held Thursday outside the complex at 403 Figueroa Drive in Altadena where nearly three months after the fire, many tenants are still living with damaged units.
“I can’t come back, because there’s no gas or electricity for my kids,” said a resident. “The walls are burnt. It’s kind of like mold, covered in ash and toxins.”
Residents said they want their units cleaned up and have power restored. Although the building has not been red-tagged, there is still visible damage.
“All we’re asking for is to live with basic necessities,” said Brenda Lopez, a resident. “We just want to shower with hot water again and cook meals for our family. We want to be able to leave our home and know that we can come back safely.”
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The carport was burned down during the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) -
Residents of an Altadena apartment complex damaged by the Eaton Fire are speaking out after they say their units remain unlivable and are posing a danger to their health. (KTLA) -
The carport was burned down during the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) -
Many residents still have their belongings in bags as they say the damaged apartment units remain unlivable. (KTLA) -
Windows remain boarded up and tenants do have power restored to the Altadena apartment complex since the Eaton Fire. (KTLA) -
Residents of an Altadena apartment complex damaged by the Eaton Fire are speaking out after they say their units remain unlivable and are posing a danger to their health. (KTLA) -
Residents of an Altadena apartment complex damaged by the Eaton Fire are speaking out after they say their units remain unlivable and are posing a danger to their health. (KTLA) -
Residents of an Altadena apartment complex damaged by the Eaton Fire are speaking out after they say their units remain unlivable and are posing a danger to their health. (KTLA)
After the Eaton Fire damage, many tenants moved out of the 47-unit building. But despite the smoke damage, many say they have nowhere else to go.
Tenants are working with community advocates to demand that L.A. County officials step in to help.
A spokesperson with the property’s management company told KTLA they’re awaiting county permits to proceed with restoration work.
“It’s a process,” said Viviana Rebollar with Regency Management. “They want to be back home and we want them to be back, too.”
Residents said they will continue speaking up and putting pressure on the management company.
“We’re here to fight for everybody who chooses not to and we hope to be the voice for everybody who’s too scared to speak up,” Lopez said.
The management company said they’re working with county and federal agencies to restore power and clean up the property. Until everything is restored, they will reportedly not charge any rent to the tenants.
