In an incredible display of quick thinking and teamwork, the Terraces at Park Marino, an assisted living facility in Pasadena, California, evacuated all residents and staff just before the Eaton Fire consumed the building on January 7, 2023. The facility, with a 25-year history of providing high-quality care, faced a dire situation as a wildfire rapidly descended from the San Gabriel Mountains. The blaze, fueled by utility equipment left operational during a severe windstorm, forced staff to make a swift decision to protect the lives of 91 residents and 10 staff members.
The fire's origin was traced to the San Gabriel Mountains, barely over 750 feet from the Terraces. As the inferno intensified, the power at the facility was cut off around 7 p.m., adding to the urgency of the evacuation. The National Weather Service had described the winds at that time as "life-threatening" and "destructive." Lawsuits later revealed that utility equipment had not been shut off during the widespread windstorm, contributing to the fire's outbreak.
Amidst this chaos, the staff at the Terraces orchestrated an evacuation that became a race against time. Originally planned for the building's driveway, the staging area was relocated to a nearby 7-11 parking lot due to the fire's rapid approach. Residents were evacuated using wheelchairs, walkers, and beds. From the 7-11, they were transported by city buses and ambulances to the Pasadena Convention Center, designated as the city's evacuation hub.
Maria Quizon, a resident who experienced the evacuation firsthand, described it as "a long, long, long walk." Her sentiment echoed the arduous journey faced by many as they fled their home of safety and comfort amidst terrifying circumstances. Another resident, Tanner, expressed the emotional toll of losing his home, saying:
"That was my home, that was my life." – Tanner
Tanner reflected on the daunting task of starting anew after such a devastating loss:
"I've got to start all over from the bottom." – Tanner
Despite the physical and emotional challenges, Tanner emphasized the community's resilience and gratitude for surviving:
"Like I tell everybody, and like everybody says, we all came out alive.” – Tanner
The swift actions of the staff at Terraces were crucial in ensuring everyone escaped safely. The Eaton Fire ultimately claimed at least 17 lives according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Nonetheless, thanks to their preparedness and decisive action, all lives at Terraces were spared.
Adam Khalifa, CEO of Diversified Health Services, announced plans for rebuilding the Terraces at Park Marino. The estimated cost stands at $20 million with a timeline of at least two years for completion. As efforts commence towards rebuilding and recovery, the community remains united in their resolve to overcome this tragedy and restore what was lost.
Residents and their families are left grappling with both relief and sorrow. Tanner captured this complex mix of emotions when he recounted his experience during the evacuation:
"It was just unbelievable how fast, and how serious, they were coming down.” – Tanner
The Eaton Fire serves as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable fury and the importance of emergency preparedness. As investigations continue into utility companies' roles in preventing such disasters, communities and institutions alike are urged to review their safety protocols.
Leave a Reply