Largely Black Altadena Community Devastated as Wildfires Reduce Neighborhood to Ashes [Video]

The Altadena community was engulfed with flames, due to the Eaton fire. The blaze claimed at least 10 lives, with countless homes destroyed. Victor Shaw, 66, perished while battling the Eaton fire at his longtime residence.

“He wouldn’t leave,” said his sister, Shari Shaw, who barely escaped the inferno herself. Shaw’s body was found near his home, a garden hose still in hand.

In another heartbreaking tragedy, Anthony Mitchell, an amputee, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, were unable to evacuate.

“He was not going to leave his son behind,” Mitchell’s daughter, Hajime White, shared. Authorities discovered Mitchell by his son’s bedside, a testament to his unwavering devotion.

Altadena, a historically diverse neighborhood, has long stood as a pillar for Black families. Drone footage shows the extent of the damage, with an entire community reduced to ashes. Residents like Erliene Kelley remembered as “an angel,” also fell victim to the flames. Her neighbor Terry Pyburn recalled, “She was so sweet. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.”

As the Palisades fire, described as the worst in LA history, continues to rage, emergency services are stretched thin, grappling with more than 10,000 destroyed structures and extensive evacuations. Identification of victims remains a painstaking process due to ongoing safety hazards.