The Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas will reopen after the Palisades Fire tore through nearly 40 square miles of homes, commercial areas and wilderness - more than three weeks after the fire started in early January. Both the Palisades and Eaton fires are now 100% contained.
Checkpoints will be removed on Pacific Coast Highway at 8:00 am, with one lane open in each direction between McClure Tunnel and Carbon Beach Terrace.
During a virtual town hall L.A. Mayor Karen Bass urged drivers to avoid the area if possible, predicting extreme congestion. She warned that the area is still considered dangerous, noting the abundance of hazardous waste, unstable burned buildings, and utility crews using heavy equipment.
A 25 mph speed limit will be in place, and all traffic signals will be flashing red.
People entering the Palisades are advised to bring an N95 Mask or respirator and gloves, and to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Safety goggles are also recommended.
The mayor's office also cautioned against using leaf blowers or vacuum cleaners, which can cause toxic particles to become airborne.
Mayor Bass announced a stepped up police presence with a "zero-tolerance policy for crime." LAPD chief Jim McDonnell said 33 patrol cruisers will be on 24/7 patrol.
California Highway Patrol officers were also deployed by Governor Gavin Newsom, and will be stationed every half mile between Santa Monica and Malibu. The National Guard and CalTrans will also monitor the reopening to help ensure a safe transition.
LAPD will maintain their command post at Will Rogers State Beach, where residents can obtain access passes until the Palisades' official reopening at 8:00 am Sunday.
The EPA is processing and removing household hazardous materials, which include paints, asbestos debris, and lithium-ion batteries, including those found in electric vehicles and back up generators. This waste is then sent to special disposal facilities.
So far over 2,115 parcels in the Palisades area have been assessed for hazardous waste, according to the mayor's office.
Once a home is cleared by the EPA, residents can elect to have other debris removed from their property by the Army Corps of Engineers. The deadline to participate in this program is March 31, 2025, and more details can be found on the county's website. Residents can also choose to work with a private contractor.