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West Covina reviews updated Emergency Operations Plan after EOC activation during Eaton Fire
Summary
Police and fire chiefs reviewed the updated Emergency Operations Plan and described a Level 3 Emergency Operations Center activation during the January Eaton Fire. The council was told the EOC response was consistent with neighboring cities and staff are pursuing further exercises and training grants.
Police and Fire Department leaders presented the city’s updated Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and described the department response when the Eaton Fire erupted in January.
Assistant Fire Chief (presenting) explained that the EOP was revised in 2023 to align with California Office of Emergency Services guidance and the National Incident Management System. The plan establishes activation criteria, EOC organization, operational priorities and annexes for key hazards. Staff noted the EOP planning team included city departments and external stakeholders such as the American Red Cross, utilities and nearby hospitals.
Chief Brown described the January activation timeline: Verdugo Fire dispatch escalated to “level B” and then to “level C” as system demand rose; that triggered the city to open the EOC at Level 3 on Jan. 7–8. City staff, police and fire escalated resource coordination during the Eaton Fire, and the City Manager issued a local emergency proclamation that the Council later ratified. Chief Brown compared West Covina’s activation to neighboring cities and said West Covina’s action matched others in the region (Monterey Park, Arcadia, Burbank and La Verne) affected by the same incident.
Councilmembers asked about training and next steps. Staff said the city has applied for hazard‑mitigation planning funding and plans to recruit an emergency‑management consultant to run tabletop exercises and coordinate federal training opportunities, including FEMA programs. The council asked staff to ensure an exercise program that includes elected officials and to brief on identifying vulnerable populations (seniors, persons with access and functional needs) as part of continuity and mass‑care planning.
Chiefs and staff said they will return with a schedule for exercises and an inventory of training opportunities and grant applications.
