Civil rights probe launched on response to Eaton Fire

(The Center Square) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Thursday announced his office is investigating whether there was discrimination against the historically Black neighborhoods of West Altadena during the devastating Eaton Fire. The fire burned 14,0212 acres, killed at least 19 people and destroyed more than 9,000 structures in January 2025. The average age of people who died was 77, according to Bonta's office. The state Department of Justice is investigating whether there was potential race, age or disability discrimination in the emergency response, Bonta said. “Specifically, we'll be looking at whether the systems and structures at play contributed to a delay in the [Los Angeles County’s] evacuation notice and possible disparities in emergency response in West Altadena,” he said. He added the investigation follows concerns expressed by residents and noted the community brought "compelling evidence" to his office. Bonta said evacuation warnings came many hours after warni