Eaton Fire Commemoration 2026 in Sierra Madre, Jan. 10, 2026 (Photo – SMFD)
On the morning of January 10, the Sierra Madre Fire Department and the Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council hosted a pivotal event at the fire station to commemorate the Eaton Fire and officially launch the new Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council. The gathering underscored the community’s shared commitment to wildfire preparedness and resilience.
By News Desk
The ceremony brought together local, county, and state agencies, including Cal Fire, the LA County Fire Department, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, and Sierra Madre CERT, and was led by the newly formed Fire Safe Council under the direction of Gavin Lee. A range of speakers, including local officials, first responders, and agency representatives, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in reducing wildfire risk.
Gavin Lee kicked off the event by outlining the Fire Safe Council’s mission to unite residents, fire officials, and agencies in the fight against wildfires. He shared the council’s primary goals: fostering community-driven wildfire resilience through education, mitigation projects like fuel breaks and defensible spaces, securing grants, and hardening homes. Ultimately, Lee stressed that the council’s efforts aim to reduce the catastrophic impact of wildfires while safeguarding lives, property, and increasing insurability.
Sierra Madre Mayor Kris Lowe also addressed the gathering, offering a message of resilience and community spirit. She reflected on the day the Eaton Fire broke out last year, noting the particular challenges faced by local agencies, which were already stretched thin responding to fires across Los Angeles County. In Sierra Madre, she pointed out, the community’s priority was ensuring neighbors helped one another, allowing the fire department to focus on fighting fires instead of rescuing individuals from their homes.
Fire Chief Brent Bartlett highlighted the significant strides made in Sierra Madre’s fire protection system in recent years. Since 2019, the fire department has evolved from a volunteer operation to a fully staffed, 24/7 professional service, committed to safeguarding the city. Chief Bartlett emphasized that these changes have enhanced the department’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, particularly during large-scale events like the Eaton Fire.
Declan Floyd from Assemblymember John Harabedian’s office acknowledged Sierra Madre’s unique position as a small but tight-knit community. He praised the city for its collaborative emergency preparedness efforts, noting that such cooperation is often more challenging to achieve in larger regions.
Darla Dyson from Senator Sasha Renée Pérez’s office also spoke, commending the swift response from local legislators during the Eaton Fire. Mayor Lowe acknowledged the quick action of both Assemblymember Harabedian and Senator Pérez, who made it a priority to return from Sacramento to assist with resources and provide on-the-ground support in Sierra Madre and surrounding areas.
As the event concluded, the Sierra Madre Fire Department emphasized the critical role of grassroots involvement in fire preparedness. Programs like the Fire Safe Council’s Block Captain Program empower residents to take an active role in keeping their neighborhoods informed and ready.
The Sierra Madre Fire Department encourages community members interested in becoming Block Captains or learning more about the Fire Safe Council to get involved.
For more information about the Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council or to become a Block Captain, visit the Sierra Madre Fire Department’s website or contact the department directly.
Chief Bartlett addressing attendees at the Eaton Fire Commemoration 2026 (Photo – SMFD)
A file photo provided by Sierra Madre Fire Department (File Photo – SMFD)
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