Eaton Fire survivors demand more from SoCal Edison in response to devastating wildfire
ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Nine months after the devastating Eaton Fire, residents are voicing concerns about a recovery plan proposed by Southern California Edison, saying the plan doesn't go far enough.
The fire, which broke out on Jan. 7, destroyed more than 9,000 homes in Altadena and surrounding communities, and killed at least 19 people. It's believed to have been sparked by downed SoCal Edison power lines during a fierce windstorm.
"We keep (hearing) that all these people have recovered," said Zaire Calvin, who lost two homes and his sister in the fire. "No one has recovered. That's why we're so frustrated."
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"There are a lot of marriages that aren't making it because of the stress and toil of families being ripped apart. All of these stories are real, and all of these stories are still happening every day," Calvin said.
Calvin spoke out at a news conference held by the Eaton Fire Survivors Network. They say they're demanding that SoCal Edison pay for what insurance companies won't, as well as damage to properties outside of the fire zone.
They're also asking that SoCal Edison pay for survivors' housing costs until they're able to rebuild their homes.
"We are here to say to Edison -- fix what you broke," said Joy Chen, the executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network. "This is not about blame. This is about fairness and reasonableness."
In response to a request for comment, SoCal Edison tells Eyewitness News that they're listening to the concerns of residents. They are in the process of updating and finalizing their Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program and expect the program to launch later this year.
