They were forgotten amid the frantic evacuation of two senior care facilities, according to state investigators, leaving the elderly women in immediate danger as the smoke and flames of the Eaton fire drew closer. In two reports published recently by the California Department of Social Services, investigators describe the harrowing circumstances of three women who were left behind in the assisted living facilities during the deadly Jan. 7 fire. While the women were ultimately rescued, state investigators cited both facilities for troubling lapses in care and ordered the homes to increase their emergency planning and training. Both senior care facilities have appealed the findings. The investigations — which were triggered partly by reporting from The Times — have raised further questions about how officials prepared for and responded to the deadly firestorm, particularly with respect to elderly and disabled evacuees.
