The investigation is critical for not only understanding what happened, but for ensuring it never happens again, said an attorney for 300 Altadena residents.

As the Eaton fire spread, many areas were notified of evacuation warnings and orders well in advance. In the heart of Altadena, where all 17 reported deaths occurred, evacuation orders came hours after fire did.

All of the 17 deaths confirmed in the Eaton Fire occurred in an area where an evacuation order was delayed for hours after the blaze erupted, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

Harris and former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff met with Los Angeles County firefighters and volunteers distributing free meals in Altadena.

Laurie Perez reports from Altadena, where former Vice President Kamala Harris stopped after leaving the White House on Monday to thank first responders who have continued to work around the clock on the Eaton and Palisades Fires.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris praised firefighters during a visit to a Los Angeles County Fire Department station in Altadena Monday shortly after returning to Southern California from the presidential inauguration in Washington.