Overview

The public survey regarding the recovery efforts following the Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles County is set to close on Thursday, April 24. This survey provides residents of Altadena and Pasadena a chance to share their experiences and contribute to an independent review aimed at improving future disaster recovery operations.

This second after-action review, conducted by the McChrystal Group, is focused on assessing the effectiveness of post-fire services and communication, following the first review which scrutinized alert systems and evacuation policies.

Key details

  • The survey closes on April 24, 2026.
  • It allows residents to document their experiences with county post-fire operations.
  • The McChrystal Group is conducting the review, having been hired by the LA County Board of Supervisors in February 2025.
  • The first review, released in September 2025, identified issues with outdated policies and communication vulnerabilities.
  • The Eaton Fire resulted in 19 confirmed deaths, primarily affecting residents west of Lake Avenue.
  • Evacuation orders for this area were issued over nine hours after the fire ignited.
  • The Eaton Fire burned 14,021 acres and destroyed 9,414 structures.
  • The Palisades Fire burned 23,448 acres and destroyed an additional 6,837 structures.
  • In total, the two fires led to 31 fatalities and the destruction of over 16,000 structures.
  • The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is open to various impacted residents.
  • A separate investigation by the California State Auditor is also examining emergency preparedness related to the January 2025 fires.
  • The second review is expected to take approximately nine months.

Context

The aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades Fires has prompted significant scrutiny of LA County's emergency response and recovery efforts. The first review highlighted critical delays in communication and evacuation orders, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the county's disaster management protocols.

What happens next

Once the survey closes, the McChrystal Group will analyze the collected data to inform potential reforms in LA County's disaster recovery processes, with the findings expected within nine months.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific recommendations that may arise from the second review and the outcomes of the California State Auditor's investigation are not confirmed.