Great Altadena Poppy Project aims to sow a quarter-billion flowers in Eaton Fire burn scar

ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- A longtime Altadena resident who lost his home in the Eaton Fire has embarked on a project that aims to sow a quarter-billion poppy seeds throughout the area's burn scar.

In an interview with ABC7, René Amy said he launched the Great Altadena Poppy Project with the goal of scattering seeds across properties where homes once stood.

"Every hand-crank means something better for the folks in Altadena," he said recently, operating the portable device that spreads the seeds as he walked around with it.

So far, nearly 700 property owners have signed up, he said.

"They're all getting poppy-fied for free because it's something I just feel I have to do. I can't explain it," Amy said. "Most of the funding has come out of my own almost-completely-empty pocket."

Federal officials are expected to announce that FEMA will pay to test soil for lead at homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire, marking a major reversal, according to reports.

Amy says the project makes him feel like he's taking steps forward since the fire, and he hopes the poppies themselves can be a lasting symbol of hope for Altadena.

"Come springtime, when these bloom, every California poppy on planet will stand and bloom in solidarity with those in Altadena," Amy said. "And to me that means an awful lot."

The poppies are meant to do more than just bloom: Amy says they're about making sure Altadena remains seen.

"I want to make sure that when -- well, we just got past the anniversary -- that people don't forget us," he said. "And this will give the world a reason to focus back on Altadena, come springtime."

Amy is racing against the clock. He says he wants to be done sowing the seeds by Sunday.