When the historic Eaton Fire tore through Altadena in January 2025, it didn’t just destroy thousands of homes, take over a dozen lives, and cause tens of billions of dollars in damages. The fire also took an axe to the 100+ year old urban forest that has been protecting Altadena from the impacts of climate change and the urban heat island of Los Angeles. The scorching hot blaze, fanned by 80 MPH Santa Ana winds ripping inside Altadena Town limits, is responsible for what is one of the most severe urban forest canopy loss events in U.S. history. With the Army Corps of Engineers seeing these trees as an obstacle for Phase II cleanup, efforts are being deployed to save those trees that did survive the fire.
Altadena sits on multiple south-facing alluvial fans built over millions of years by water coming down local canyons. It is over 20 miles and 1,000′ in elevation removed from the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean, and while it is not as hot as the deserts of Southern California, summers are no joke in the region. Just last year, multiple deaths in a single weekend were observed when temperatures soared to 114°F in the area. The urban forest is one of the greatest local solutions to taking the edge off climate change, at least in regards to ambient temperatures. Dense urban forests create shade, stabilize humidity levels, and reduce air pollution. They lower water and energy bills, weaken Santa Ana windstorms, and create a sense of identity with the community.
“Our coastal live oak has new growth and I will chain myself to that tree before I let them tear it down”
– Altadena Resident
With summer 2025 on approach and thousands of trees lost to the Eaton Fire, fears of an outright oppressive July – September period are forecasted by climatologists. Hundreds of residents have come together to demand answers from the Army Corps of Engineers who have reportedly cut down trees on private property without the consent of owners.
Supervisor Barger, in a statement released electronically, said “I strongly oppose the cutting down of trees in Altadena. I was assured that property owners would be given at least five days’ advance notice before debris removal begins, along with the opportunity to understand whether a tree on their property has been deemed unsafe or requires removal. I have reiterated my expectations to the Corps that these decisions must be made carefully, with thorough communication to property owners to prevent any removals without engagement and support. Trees are a defining feature of Altadena’s character, and I fully support every effort to preserve them. Every possible action must be taken to protect these precious community assets.”
Such a tremendously important effort to save these trees and allow them the chance to “rebirth” and continue to grace this land.