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California Launches Civil Rights Probe into Eaton Fire Response

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a civil rights investigation into Los Angeles County's response to the Eaton fire in West Altadena, which killed 19.
The Eaton fire began January 7, 2025, and, with the Palisades fire, caused at least 31 deaths and over 16,000 buildings destroyed.
The investigation will determine whether the fire department's delay violated state anti-discrimination laws, and residents remain rebuilding more than a year after disaster.

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Story summary

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a civil rights investigation into Los Angeles County's response to the Eaton fire in West Altadena, which killed 19.
The Eaton fire began January 7, 2025, and, with the Palisades fire, caused at least 31 deaths and over 16,000 buildings destroyed.
The investigation will determine whether the fire department's delay violated state anti-discrimination laws, and residents remain rebuilding more than a year after disaster.