After nearly a month of devastation, the historic wildfire leaves over 6,800 structures destroyed, sparking debates on land management and fueling calls for change as residents begin the rebuilding process

In a remarkable effort by firefighters and first responders, the Palisades Fire—California’s most destructive wildfire in history—has been officially declared 100% contained. Igniting on Jan. 7, the blaze tore through 23,448 acres, leaving a path of devastation. With the fire finally under control, Southern California residents can now begin the long road to recovery as this wind-driven catastrophe comes to an end.

The Palisades and Eaton fires, both driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, blazed through Southern California for nearly a month, marking one of the most challenging fire seasons the state has ever faced. As of today, Feb. 1, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Malibu to Santa Monica remains closed to the general public. However, starting Sunday morning, PCH will reopen to essential traffic—a crucial step in reconnecting coastal communities still reeling from the disaster.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath announced that although the main access road from Santa Monica will reopen at 8 a.m., it will be limited to one lane in each direction with reduced speeds. “It’s important that we setexpectations—this will not be the same PCH as before the fires,” Horvath said, acknowledging the long road to recovery ahead.

The scale of devastation caused by the Palisades Fire is staggering. The blaze destroyed 6,837 structures, including 5,419 homes, 135 multi-family residences, and 158 commercial buildings. In addition, 1,017 structures were damaged, displacing thousands of residents and leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins. The firefighting effort involved more than 5,000 personnel from across the nation, as well as international support from Mexico and Israel. The resources mobilized included 476 engines, 58 water tenders, 44 helicopters, 48 bulldozers, and 113 hand crews, all working tirelessly to contain the relentless flames.

Despite the heroic efforts of first responders, the fire’s cause remains under investigation. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2 has transitioned command back to the Los Angeles City Fire Department, while Cal OES will oversee recovery efforts and the restoration of services to affected communities.

Preliminary data from CAL FIRE indicates that the Palisades Fire ranks among the most destructive wildfires in California history. With over 6,800 structures destroyed, it surpasses the Tubbs Fire of 2017 and falls just behind the Eaton Fire of 2025, which obliterated over 9,400 structures. In comparison, the devastating Camp Fire of November 2018 remains the most destructive, with nearly 19,000 structures lost.

Amidst the collective grief, frustration continues to mount over the perceived mismanagement of parklands by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). Many residents attribute the rapid spread of the fire to the MRCA’s failure to properly maintain its land and prepare for the predicted high winds.

At the Palisades Fire Town Hall meeting on Jan. 27, Malibu resident Wade Major voiced his outrage:

“Living next to MRCA-administered land is like living next to a hoarder who stacks yellowing newspapers in the house and stores rusting canisters of gasoline in the backyard for decades. We’ve repeatedly warned that we need controlled burns, fire maintenance, and responsible resource management. In return, we get nothing but condescension and neglect from the slumlord of the Santa Monica Mountains. Joe Edmonton’s unchecked appetite for land acquisition—without accountability—has done unspeakable harm to these fragile hills. They will take years to recover.”

Major continued, “The MRCA has had its day. It’s time to turn these lands over to state parks and their experienced, professional leaders. We welcome their leadership and look forward to working with them. Not just Malibu strong—Malibu stronger.”

The community’s call for accountability is growing louder, with many advocating for MRCA lands to be transferred to California State Parks for better oversight. Jo Drummond, who lost her home in the Big Rock area, urged state officials to reallocate resources, stating, “Senator Allen, you said that California Parks don’t have any money. They don’t have any money because the governor isn’t giving them any. MRCA has plenty—disband them and give the funds to state parks.”

The devastation has sparked a fierce debate over land management practices. Residents argue that the MRCA’s alleged negligence—failing to close park gates and clear brush despite forecasts of hurricane-level winds—contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the fire. Wade Major’s impassioned plea at the town hall resonated with many: “We’ve warned that we needed controlled burns, fire maintenance, and robust resource management. In return, we get nothing butcondescension and vitriol from the MRCA.”

In response, the MRCA has defended its efforts, stating that it maintains its own fire division and collaborates with local fire departments and state agencies to prevent and manage wildfires. Despite this, the damage is done, and the community’s trust in MRCA’s stewardship is deeply shaken.

The reopening of PCH marks a significant milestone in recovery efforts, achieved through coordinated efforts by the LA County Sheriff’s Department, LAPD, California Highway Patrol, and Caltrans. Supervisor Horvath acknowledged the teamwork, saying, “Los Angeles County has worked diligently to reopen PCH in a way that is safe and allows our residents, businesses, workers, and students to more easily navigate our coastal communities.”

As rain is forecasted for next week, LA County Public Works, alongside other agencies, will continue to monitor road conditions closely. Sandbags are now available for residents, and right-of-entry forms for debris removal must be submitted by March 31. For ongoing road closure updates, residents are urged to visit pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures.

As Malibu residents begin the arduous process of rebuilding, they face a landscape forever altered by the flames. From La Costa Beach to Pacific Palisades, the 14-mile stretch of burn zone is a stark reminder of nature’s fury. But amidst the charred remains, a spirit of resilience endures. “Malibu is strong, and we will come back stronger,” declared one resident, echoing a sentiment felt across the community.

Looking ahead, Malibu City Hall remains open by appointment only to address minor exterior damages from the recent fires. Residents are encouraged to schedule appointments by calling (310) 456-2489 ext. 390 or emailing MalibuRecovers@malibucity.org.

As the community moves forward, questions remain unanswered. Who will be held accountable for the catastrophic loss? How will the region prepare for future wildfire threats? One thing is certain—Southern California will never forget the lessons learned from the Palisades Fire. In the face of unimaginable loss, the community is determined to rebuild, recover, and prepare for a safer future.

As emergency crews depart and the cameras fade, the community must rally to rebuild, hold officials accountable, and navigate the long road to recovery

The stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that runs along Zuma Beach is eerily quiet now. For the last four weeks, it was linedwith rows of fire emergency trucks, a constant reminder of the battle waged against the Palisades Fire. The command center that was set up just days after the start of the fire is all but gone, with only a few personnel left to oversee the final stages of demobilization. The sense of urgency that once filled the air has faded, replaced by the heavy burden of recovery.

The last four weeks have been devastating. The Palisades Fire, following closely on the heels of the Franklin Fire in December, scorched 23,448 acres of land. While Cal Fire reports the blaze as 97% contained, small pockets of smoldering ash still linger in the burn zone, a stark reminder of the destruction left in its wake.

Now, with national media attention shifting elsewhere, the real work begins. Our community faces the daunting task of rebuilding, and it will be up to us to ensure that the promises made by officials and agencies are upheld.

Transitioning from Emergency Response to Recovery

As Cal Fire hands over command of the incident back to the Los Angeles City Fire Department, the focus shifts from firefighting to recovery efforts. Cal OES (California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services) will be overseeing the restoration of services and aiding affected communities.

Residents who were forced to flee their homes are gradually returning as all zones within the City of Los Angeles, Malibu, and unincorporated Los Angeles County have reopened for resident-only access. Entry requires an access pass, available between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at designated check-in points. Verified residents can obtain passes at Malibu City Hall, while contractors and essential personnel must visit the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff Substation. 

Law enforcement remains stationed at access points to ensure only authorized individuals enter the impacted areas. While evacuation orders have been lifted, movement along Pacific Coast Highway remains restricted, and residents should anticipate delays and temporary road closures due to ongoing recovery efforts.

Hazards and Precautions

Though the flames have been largely extinguished, the dangers are far from over. Smoldering debris, compromised structures, and hazardous materials pose significant risks. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health is distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to returning residents and providing guidelines on how to safely navigate the burned-out areas.

Residents are urged to exercise caution, especially around charred trees and unstable structures. Additionally, the risk of flash flooding and mudslides remains high, particularly with recent rainfall. Malibu Public Works crews are workingaround the clock to stabilize the area, installing K-rails and sandbags to mitigate potential damage.

Utility restoration is also underway. Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) are working to restore electricity and water services, though outages may persist in some areas. Residents can sign up for outage alerts through their utility providers’ websites.

Environmental and Public Health Concerns

The fire has not only destroyed homes and landscapes but has also posed serious environmental risks. Toxic debris from burned structures, melted materials, and fire retardants have seeped into the soil and nearby water sources. As a result, an Ocean Water Closure has been declared from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach due to potential contamination. Beachgoers are advised to avoid both the water and sand in these areas until further notice.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is closely monitoring air quality, soil conditions, and water safety. A virtual town hall is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31, at 6:00 p.m. to provide updates on these concerns and to guide residents through safe cleanup practices. Experts will be available to answer questions and offer recommendations for mitigating health risks associated with fire debris.

Resources for Affected Residents and Businesses

For those who have lost their homes, businesses, or possessions, recovery assistance is available. The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu is hosting a Disaster Recovery Center at their Third Space location in the Cross Creek Shopping Center. The center provides access to county resources, as well as representatives from FEMA and the SBA who are available to assist residents. Additionally, the center offers a fully stocked recovery store with essential items for fire victims, including clothing, shoes, baby diapers, and Pack ‘n Plays. Local resident Barbie Herron, who experienced a similar loss, has also created a step-by-step rebuilding binder to help guide those navigating the recovery process.

The LA County Disaster Recovery Center, located at UCLA Research Park, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Here, residents can connect with aid organizations, insurance representatives, and government agencies offering financial and logistical support.

Small businesses affected by the fire are also receiving assistance. Weekly webinars, beginning Jan. 31, will provide guidance on available funding and support programs through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other recovery initiatives. Business owners can register online to participate in these sessions.

Holding Officials Accountable

As the dust settles, our community must remain vigilant. In the coming months, promises made by government agencies and public officials must be followed through. Funding for rebuilding, infrastructure repairs, and long-term fire prevention strategies must be secured and allocated efficiently.

Historically, once the immediate crisis ends, bureaucratic red tape can slow the recovery process. This time, we cannot afford to let that happen. Community meetings, petitions, and continued media attention will be crucial in ensuring that aid is distributed fairly and that rebuilding efforts are not neglected.

The road to recovery will be long, but the resilience of our community is strong. Local volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and businesses are already stepping up to assist those in need. Whether it’s offering temporary housing, providing meals, or donating supplies, every effort counts.

This fire has left scars—on our land, our homes, and our hearts. But it has also reminded us of our strength, our unity, and our unwavering commitment to one another. Together, we will rebuild. Together, we will heal. And together, we will hold those in power accountable for ensuring that the promises made in our time of need are kept.

How to Get Involved

For those looking to support recovery efforts, here are ways to help:

• Donate: Contribute to local relief funds that directly support affected families and businesses.
• Volunteer: Join cleanup crews and support groups assisting residents in need.
• Stay Informed: Attend town halls, sign petitions, and advocate for responsible recovery efforts.
• Shop and Eat Local: Support businesses impacted by the fires by shopping and eating locally and spreading awareness.

Together, our community can rise from this tragedy stronger and more united than ever before.