2025 JAN 7: EATON FIRE

ARES LAX Northeast Response to the 2025 Eaton Fire - A Summary

Pasadena, September 29, 2025

The January 2025 Eaton Fire was a devastating wildfire that swept through the San Gabriel foothills and surrounding communities, destroying thousands of structures and claiming multiple lives. Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) operators from the LAX Northeast district self-activated in response, focusing on life safety and communications continuity during the first critical hours.

Although not a formal deployment for a partner agency, the activation demonstrated the group’s strong preparedness and community focus. Operators quickly established informal communication nets, checked on members in evacuation zones, and built a trusted situational awareness picture using both direct observation and vetted digital tools. Their disciplined communications and proactive decision-making helped ensure the safety of local operators and their families.

The fire exposed significant challenges, including inconsistent official emergency alerts and threats to power-dependent communications infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the group adapted effectively, migrating to alternate repeaters when needed and supplementing radio nets with text-based coordination.

The broader impact of the fire was severe, with widespread destruction of homes, community centers, and infrastructure. Amateur radio operators were among those who suffered personal losses.

Key lessons learned include:

• Local community networks like ARES provide agile, trusted communication during crises.

• Regular training and realistic exercises build the operational discipline needed for effective disaster response.

• Redundancy in communication systems is essential, as infrastructure can fail.

• A multi-layered information strategy is critical when official systems falter.

• Personal responsibility and situational awareness often drive the most effective life-saving actions.

The Eaton Fire response highlighted both the resilience and vulnerability of communities in the face of catastrophic wildfires. It also underscored the vital role that trained, volunteer amateur radio operators can play in supporting safety, communications, and community cohesion during emergencies.