Sierra Madre officials outline repopulation steps, safety and recovery resources after wildfire

City of Sierra Madre officials on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, updated residents on repopulation, safety hazards and recovery resources after recent wildfires, saying containment stood at about 33% and that residents north of Grandview were returning under an evacuation warning.

Fire Chief Brent Bartlett told residents at an 11:10 a.m. briefing that “we're about 33% containment,” and warned that low humidity and possible gusts into the 30 mph range could sustain fire activity through Wednesday. He said some homes have not been fully overhauled, meaning smoldering hotspots may remain, and urged residents to contact city or visiting agencies for assistance if they spot hazards.

The nut graf: Officials emphasized that repopulation is proceeding but remains conditional on safety checks, and announced practical recovery supports — including collection bins for spoiled food and a staffed local assistance center — while urging neighbors to check on elderly or disabled residents.

Bartlett listed specific hazards residents may encounter when returning: downed power lines, unstable structures, ash and debris, falling trees, and possible asbestos or lithium-ion battery hazards. He advised use of personal protective equipment such as N95 masks and gloves when appropriate and said the fire department would set up a disaster resource center to guide residents through recovery and rebuilding steps. “If you plan on rebuilding or you have major damage and you're going to be looking for assistance for reimbursement, especially through FEMA, be very cognizant of you must start that process first through the proper channels,” Bartlett said, adding that doing work on damaged structures before starting FEMA’s process could affect eligibility.

Police Chief Mario Artos said the department had increased its presence during repopulation and asked residents to report suspicious activity. “North of Grandview is open to our residents to return to their home with the evacuation warning,” Artos said. He said there had been no issues so far and that the police were “maximum deployed” with mutual-aid resources assisting.

James Carlson, senior management analyst, outlined temporary measures for spoiled food and organic waste: Athens Service will provide bins at Sierra Vista Park (next to the tennis courts and across from the cemetery) for residents to dispose of spoiled food; commercial accounts should contact Athens directly. Carlson also asked residents to avoid placing yard waste in streets so public works and emergency vehicles can operate and to refrain from using leaf blowers because of air-quality concerns.

City Manager Ray Noso said Southern California Edison had restored power to the majority of Sierra Madre but noted that red-flag warnings for higher elevations and the possibility of public safety power shutoffs remained. Noso listed immediate federal and county assistance available: FEMA resources were available the same day at several Los Angeles County libraries (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and a staffed Local Assistance/Disaster Resource Center will open Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Pasadena City College’s Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd.

Officials again asked residents to check on neighbors, prioritize safety when reentering properties and to contact city responders for hazards and assistance. Bartlett closed by reiterating operational readiness: the fire department remains committed and is continuing normal 911 response and medical services.

Ending: City officials said they will continue to provide updates as conditions and resources evolve; residents were directed to contact the City of Sierra Madre for real-time information and to use the announced assistance sites for FEMA intake and spoiled-food disposal.