Upgrading Eaton Homes in Altadena
After the Eaton Fire, most recovery efforts focused on rebuilding destroyed homes, but the nonprofit GER3 chose a different path by strengthening houses that were still standing. The organization launched a free retrofit program in Altadena to help existing homes meet wildfire safety standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. By upgrading features like defensible space, fire-resistant roofing, noncombustible materials and ember protection, GER3 aimed to reduce the risk of homes igniting during future fires. The program prioritizes homeowners with the greatest need and has already improved dozens of properties, helping create resilience at the neighborhood level rather than focusing on individual rebuilds alone.
The impact of these retrofits goes beyond individual households, improving safety for entire communities by reducing the chance that one burning home will spread fire to others. Research shows that homes with multiple fire-hardening features are far more likely to avoid damage and residents report greater peace of mind after making these upgrades. However, retrofitting can be costly and current building codes do not require updates for older homes, making programs like GER3’s especially important. By addressing wildfire risk proactively, these efforts demonstrate how targeted investments in existing housing can protect lives, reduce losses and strengthen community resilience in fire-prone areas.
