FEMA Teams Go Door-to-Door in Altadena to Assist Eaton Fire Survivors

ALTADENA – The road to recovery is long for residents of Altadena following the devastating Eaton Fire, but FEMA is stepping in to help. This week, the agency launched wildfire debris removal efforts and deployed disaster survivor assistance (DSA) teams to go door-to-door, offering direct support to those affected.

The goal is to reach residents who may not be able to visit disaster recovery centers on their own. “Everybody qualifies for FEMA,” one team member explained, as crews canvassed neighborhoods where homes remain standing but damage persists.

Among those impacted is lifelong Altadena resident David Fennessy, whose garage and car were lost in the fire. While he and his wife Cynthia were able to save their home, the rebuilding process has been slow. After applying for FEMA assistance weeks ago, Fennessy discovered someone had fraudulently applied in his name. Fortunately, FEMA froze the false claim, and the arrival of relief crews was a welcome sight.

With utilities slowly being restored, residents are hopeful. “We’re going to be back home,” Fennessy said. “Everything’s going to be all right one day—just not today.”