After nearly a month since the devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles neighborhoods, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has finally reopened in Malibu, California. The deadly Palisades Fire caused widespread destruction in hillside communities, including homes, as it advanced towards the beach.
On Monday morning at around 8 a.m., traffic resumed along the scenic shoreline route, with only one lane open in each direction and speed restrictions in place from Santa Monica to the Ventura County Line. LA County supervisor Lindsey Horvath emphasized that only essential traffic should use the route at this time.
Horvath cautioned that the current state of the PCH is different from what people were accustomed to before the fires, as cleanup and utility repairs are still ongoing in the area. To access the Palisades burn zone, entry passes or proof of residence are now required by authorities.
The Associated Press reported that a partial reopening of the PCH took place on Sunday in the northernmost section of Malibu. However, the section in the Pacific Palisades area faced delays as LA city officials decided to maintain checkpoints due to concerns about public safety and potential looting.
Responsibility for managing access to the Palisades area will be transferred from the LA Police Department to the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard. This shift aims to allow the LAPD to enhance its services citywide, as stated by Mayor Karen Bass.
With rain expected to begin on Tuesday, officials will closely monitor the highway for hazards like mudslides and debris flows, according to Horvath. The Palisades Fire, which began on Jan. 7 amid strong winds, resulted in the destruction or damage of approximately 8,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, with a tragic loss of at least 12 lives.
Simultaneously, another fire ignited in Altadena on the same day, claiming the lives of at least 17 individuals and destroying or damaging over 10,000 homes and buildings. Both fires were declared fully contained last week, marking a significant milestone in the recovery process.
