Southern California is currently facing a series of devastating wildfires that have led to widespread evacuations and significant property damage, notably affecting the Armenian community. The Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School in Altadena has been completely destroyed by the Eaton Fire, marking a profound loss for the community.
The fires, intensified by strong Santa Ana winds, began on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The Pacific Palisades fire has consumed approximately 16,000 acres, leading to the evacuation of over 30,000 residents. The Eaton Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains has burned over 10,600 acres, resulting in more than 52,000 evacuations in Pasadena, Altadena, and surrounding areas. Tragically, five fatalities have been reported due to the Eaton Fire.
The fires have also led to widespread power outages, with over 1.5 million people in Southern California experiencing electricity disruptions. Emergency services are stretched thin, with firefighters from multiple states aiding in the effort. Evacuation centers are struggling with scarce resources, and the federal government is sending aircraft, helicopters, and other firefighting equipment to assist.
Glendale City Council member Ardashes Kassakhian told the Mirror-Spectator that after two years of wet seasons followed by drought, dried vegetation has become highly flammable, with Santa Ana winds spreading the fires rapidly. While it’s unclear whether arson or aging infrastructure sparked the fires, Kassakhian noted that Glendale has been fortunate so far, as the wind direction has minimized the threat. However, precautionary evacuations were conducted in Chevy Chase and Glen Oaks Canyons due to their challenging terrain and fire-prone conditions.
Mandatory evacuations have displaced thousands of residents, notably affecting Armenian community members in Altadena, Pasadena, La Cañada, Crescenta Valley, and northern Glendale. In response, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee has opened community centers in Pasadena, Crescenta Valley, the San Fernando Valley, Montebello, and Burbank to provide shelter for evacuees.
The Hovhannes and Hripsime Jivalagian Youth Center in Pasadena has been accommodating displaced individuals since Tuesday night, offering food, water, and beds, and is also welcoming families with pets.
Several schools in the affected areas have suspended classes. The Tavlian Pre-School in Pasadena remains undamaged but requires extensive cleaning due to soot and ash. Oragark has learned that Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, which is not part of the Prelacy schools, have been closed for the entire week also. The St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian Armenian School has reported no major structural damage. However, the destruction of the Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School, which had been operational since 1980, represents a profound loss for the community.
The Board of Regents of the Prelacy Armenian Schools has canceled classes for the remainder of the week at Tavlian, Tufenkian, and Pilavjian pre-schools, as well as Chamlian, Mesrobian, Alex Pilibos, Cabayan, and Ferrahian schools.
The Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church is also under evacuation orders, leading to the closure of its offices. Officials have confirmed the safety of Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Katcherian. Additionally, churches in Pasadena, Glendale, Montebello, and Encino have opened their doors to welcome evacuated families.
Community members are urged to adhere to evacuation orders and stay informed through local news outlets and official channels. The situation remains fluid, and the safety of residents is the top priority as firefighting efforts continue.
