Fire Still stalled in Santa Anita Canyon, other updates

Red tint shows burn area.

City Manager Dylan Feik reports that the Eaton fire did not progress much at all last night due to favorable weather, wind and nighttime firefighting.

Feik said there is now a small area where the fire is moving up Santa Anita Canyon on the Monrovia side but there were several firefighters keeping the fire in the canyon.

Also, he said that:

- Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

- the President and Governor have declared a state of emergency, which frees funds for firefighting and recovery.

- Hopefully power (still spotty) will be full restored soon.

- The Community Center will be open 7 a.m to 9 p.m. and will have snacks, water, and areas to charge phones.

- No street sweeping for now, and while City Hall is closed the city will not assess late fees or payment penalties. 

- Monrovians don’t need to boil water. It’s safe as is.

- Brad Haugaard 

Clubs seek donations for fire victim relief

Way of Life Car Club and Lady of Roses women's social club, are joining forces Friday, January 10, to aid those affected by the devastating Eaton Canyon fire that wiped out so many homes, schools, and businesses.

A boil-water order has been issued for the area, so the club is collecting:

• Bottled Water

• Blankets and Pillows

• Clothing of all sizes which can be gently used but must be clean for immediate redistribution.

The organizations will be distributing items from 1-4 p.m. on the Raymond side of Central Park, 275 N Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, next to the Green Hotel.

For information call coordinators Donald Johnson or his wife Beverly at

(626) 255-2855 (Donald) or (951) 538-8672 (Beverly). They will be in the park at noon to receive donations. You can also reach out to First Sergeant Vincent Lymon (retired) of Thank a Vet, (951) 907-6900, who will also be on site to help.

If you would like to donate water but cannot make it to Pasadena, you can have cases of water (2 case minimum) delivered from 7-Eleven through such food delivery services as Grubhub via 7-Eleven with a 2-Case Maximum. You can also order water from Amazon Fresh. New blankets or clothing can be delivered from Walmart via Instacart. Please be mindful of delivery times.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia YMCA collecting for those in need after the Eaton fire

The Santa Anita Family YMCA in Monrovia (at Mountain and Lemon) is distributing several pallets of fresh produce, canned goods, and snacks for those in need. It is also collecting blankets and personal items all day today (Jan. 9) to deliver to the Pasadena Convention Center to use at the Pasadena Shelter.

- Brad Haugaard

Fire stalled at Santa Anita Canyon

 

Here is the latest report from city manager, Dylan Feik.

January 8, 2025

 Good evening Monrovians,

Tonight at 6:00 p.m., we attended an Incident Briefing for the Eaton Fire. Since early this afternoon, the fire along the eastern edge was held generally around the Santa Anita Canyon. With favorable weather today, including little-to-no winds throughout the afternoon, the fire slowly backed down into the Santa Anita Canyon drainage area where  crews were positioned to hold the fire's position. Additionally, a dozer line was placed between the Santa Anita drainage area and Lower Clamshell Trail along the burn scar from the Bobcat Fire. This was done as a contingency in case the fire jumped or moved across the Santa Anita drainage. Air support was also provided this afternoon and is available throughout the night as needed.  Incident Command does not anticipate the fire to grow along the eastern edge tonight, and they expect to continue attacking the fire with significantly more resources early Thursday morning. At this time, there are no changes to previously issued Evacuation Orders or Evacuation Warnings. 

For tonight, Monrovians will see the fire on our hillside, including that eerie glow and occasional flames jumping. The fire will also look a lot closer than it is, as the fire is holding in the Santa Anita drainage area. Monrovia Fire & Rescue staff remain in Monrovia but also are assisting in Sierra Madre and Arcadia, doing their part to combat the fire's movements in our neighboring communities as needed. 

The map below is based off of the infrared map of the Eaton Fire and does not necessarily reflect the fire perimeter. The green area is the boundary of Monrovia with the red representing the Eaton Fire burn area. We anticipate receiving more maps as information becomes available to us. 

Electricity and cell service continue to be spotty as power outages remain widespread throughout the city. Southern California Edison is unable to say when power will be restored so we recommend planning ahead for extended outages. 

Certain City facilities remain without power, including City Hall and will remain closed to the public until further notice. Non-emergency city phone lines will also be out of service until electricity is restored. On Thursday, the Community Center will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and has snacks, water and areas to charge your cell phones. Be sure to stop by and say hi. 

Keep your phones nearby and continue to be ready should weather conditions change. I will provide another update in the morning. 

Take care and keep safe!

Dylan

Free movie for veterans - Feb. 1

- Brad Haugaard

Fire advancing slowly; devastation in Altadena and Pasadena horrendous

At 1:20 p.m. today it still appears the fire is on the west side of Santa Anita Canyon, north of Arcadia. Winds have died down and it doesn’t appear to be moving very quickly.

A friend, at PasadenaNow, however, said the devastation to Altadena and Pasadena is horrendous. While we were on the phone, he said that Elliot Middle School was completely involved in flames. Also Saint Mark’s Church on Altadena Drive, a synagogue, and hundreds of homes. You might want to pray for them. 

- Brad Haugaard 

Fire ‘backing’ toward Monrovia, power outages may last a while, shelter for pets, etc.

The latest fire update from city manager, Dylan Feik.

Good morning Monrovians,

We are trying to provide as much current information and updates as we can. City crews are working closely with area authorities and will continue doing our best to communicate updates related to the Eaton Fire, areawide power outages and various challenges we are experiencing.

Currently, the Eaton Fire is now at 10,600 acres with 0% containment. The fire is driven by wind with heavy impacts to the communities of Altadena and Pasadena. The fire is pushing mostly towards cities west of Monrovia including Altadena, Pasadena, La Crescenta and Glendale, but is also backing towards Santa Anita Canyon and the Bobcat Fire burn scar on the east.  

With the possibility of the fire crossing Santa Anita Canyon and impacting the west portion of Monrovia, Evacuation Orders have been issued for the portions of Monrovia north of Hillcrest and west of Myrtle (previously Primrose but now includes Myrtle), and including all of Gold Hills. Currently there is a Evacuation Warning north of Hillcrest, east of Myrtle and Norumbega Drive north of Greystone. 

Local shelter arrangements have been set up at the Arcadia Community Center, Pasadena Civic Center and a few other locations in LA County found here under "Human Shelters." There is also a small animal shelter at the Pasadena Humane Society facility. Continue to read the link above for updates and additional information on evacuation centers and resources. 

Along with the 700 firefighters currently combatting the Eaton Fire, all available Monrovia firefighters have been recalled and are currently staffing five engines in preparation for any impacts to our community. Additionally, police officers, public works crews, park naturalists and a huge number of City employees are working hard to help us all through this emergency. Be sure to thank them when you see them. 

Last night, crews responded to multiple calls for residential structure fires, downed power lines, fallen trees and blockages to public rights of way. We are working alongside Southern California Edison to restore power to the city however, there is no estimate for power restoration at this time. It would be best to plan ahead for extended outages and as a reminder, please do not call 9-1-1 to ask for updates to power outages. We need these lines clear for reporting of actual downed power lines, current emergencies, etc. 

Finally, thank you to all the many community members, businesses and folks who have stopped by to offer support, feed our first responders and show your support. On behalf of all City employees, we love our community very much and will be there thru the entire incident.

Take care and keep safe!

Dylan

Most businesses closed throughout Monrovia, except Vons

At 8:50 a.m. power seems to be out pretty much throughout the city definitely on Foothill, Huntington and Myrtle. Virtually all businesses I saw except the Vons supermarket at Tthe corner of Myrtle and Foothill were closed.

- Brad Haugaard 

Fire above Arcadia

At 8:20 2 AM today the Eaton Canyon fire appears to be still west of Santa Anita Ave. It’s smoky in Arcadia. Wind seems to be blowing from the northeast to southwest, which may hinder the fire’s advance toward Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia schools closed today

- Brad Haugaard 

Fire above Monrovia Wednesday morning

The fire has advanced to where it is now above Monrovia. This photo was taken about 6 AM on Wednesday. A mandatory evacuation order is in place for residence, roughly north of Hillcrest and Greystone. Details.

City manager Dylan fee reported: “ As the Eaton Fire continues burning towards Monrovia, you should anticipate seeing flames on the hillside as they move eastward. As the Eaton Fire moves closer to Monrovia, it will also encounter the Bobcat Fire Burn Area which will mean less extreme flames on the hillside. It's a good thing when the Eaton Fire begins to burn into a previously burned area as there is less brush and fuel for the Eaton Fire to burn. However, the weather remains very unpredictable and as emergency responders make decisions about evacuations, if you receive a notice about an Evacuation Warning or Evacuation Order, please follow the guidance prescribed.”

- Brad Haugaard 

A Moment in Monrovia History: Myrtle Avenue during 1914 Monrovia Day

Myrtle Ave with a Welcome banner, trolley, and bedecked with flags during the 1914 Monrovia Day. Looking north on Myrtle Avenue from Lime. J.J. Renaker Furniture at far left, then J.J. Renaker Co, a bicycle shop, and a garage. Grocery store at far right. From the Myron Hotchkiss collection. See full details here.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

Adorable Parker - He doesn't even shed, and respects furniture

Parker is a sweet and sensitive 2-year-old German Shepherd mix looking for his forever home. This adorable guy has been spending time with a foster family, and they have given a great report!

When Parker first met his foster family at Pasadena Humane, he was too nervous to even leave his kennel. But with their patience, kindness, and love, Parker has blossomed. What started as a weekend foster has turned into a longer stay where Parker has truly come out of his shell.

Parker is a quick learner and eager to please. He already knows commands like “sit” and “leave it” and is respectful during mealtime. He’s fantastic on a leash and enjoys a mix of walks, hikes, and trips to the dog park. His favorite activities include cuddles, belly rubs, playing with toys, and showing off his goofy zoomies.

He’s crate-trained, settles quickly when left alone, and even loves car rides. Remarkably, Parker doesn’t shed and is respectful of furniture—truly a dream companion!

If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion who’s full of potential, Parker is your guy. Help Parker make the leap from foster to forever—he’s ready to share his paw-sitive energy with you!

Parker and all other dogs and cats at Pasadena Humane have their adoption fees discounted until January 12 during the Welcome Home adoption promo! 

The normal adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines. 

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30 and can be scheduled online. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. 

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email. 

- Brad Haugaard

High winds may affect power in parts of North Monrovia

Southern California Edison is warning that there may be power outages in these parts of Monrovia due to high winds. Details. (Zoom in to get Monrovia.) Cutoffs would be intentional, to prevent the possibility of fires sparked by electrical mishaps combined with dry weather.

- Brad Haugaard

Hillside Wilderness Preserve closed due to expected high winds

- Brad Haugaard