For the first time since the devastating Palisades fire ignited on Jan. All remaining evacuation orders were lifted at noon Monday, with most zones converted to residents-only access.
Residents were previously allowed limited access with a California Highway Patrol escort, but now they can pick up an entry pass and enter independently during noncurfew hours from 6 a. Residents can pick up an entry pass at Lot 3 at Pacific Coast Highway from 10 a. The 23,acre fire destroyed 6, properties, damaged more than 1, others and claimed 12 lives, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
A curfew remains in effect in the fire zone to protect property during the repopulation process. The U. Environmental Agency will begin debris removal this week, and returning residents are asked not to attempt to remove debris themselves due to safety concerns. For many residents, the reopening process has been a painfully slow and frustrating one. Evacuation orders were lifted in a piecemeal fashion, and there was a lot of confusion over what areas could be accessed and when, Fleming said.
CHP officers began escorting residents back to their properties last week, but an escort was often challenging to secure, he said. On Sunday, Fleming lined up to get an escort back to his property. After waiting for 90 minutes, he learned that escorts were on an indefinite hold due to the risk of mudslides. More than people attended a forum on recovering from the Pacific Palisades fire on Sunday, where they pressed officials on an array of issues.
Weekend rain triggered mudslides and flooding in the Palisades fire area Sunday, prompting the closure of PCH west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed in both directions.
