The devastating Eaton fire in California’s Altadena area has left 17 people dead, all of whom lived in a neighborhood that received evacuation orders hours later than others. Even as homes nearby were already engulfed in flames, many residents in this area never got the urgent warning to leave.

The fire began in Pasadena and Altadena earlier this month, with evacuation orders issued swiftly for most neighborhoods. However, one specific area west of Lake Avenue didn’t receive the evacuation alert until after 3 a.m.—over seven hours after other communities were told to flee. By then, reports indicated that houses in the area were already on fire.

Kathryn Barger, the county supervisor for the region, expressed deep concern over the tragic loss of life, calling for a thorough review of the emergency notification process. “There must be a thorough examination of the lifesaving emergency notification actions that took place the terrible evening the Eaton fire started,” she stated.

Among the victims was 95-year-old Dalyce Curry, who was dropped off at her home around midnight by her granddaughter, unaware of the danger. Three blocks away, Anthony Mitchell and his son Justin perished when flames engulfed their home after they called for help evacuating past 5 a.m.

The incident has raised serious questions about the timeliness and effectiveness of evacuation protocols during wildfires, leaving many to wonder how such a delay could have happened. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring such a tragedy is not repeated.