Pacific Coast Highway Reopens Following Destructive Palisades Fire
The supervisor of Los Angeles County has reiterated that “essential traffic only is highly recommended.”
According to officials from Los Angeles County, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) partially reopened on Monday, almost a month after the Palisades Fire necessitated its closure.
“Essential traffic only is highly recommended,” stated Lindsey Horvath, the Los Angeles County Supervisor.
She cautioned that due to continuing cleanup efforts and utility repairs, “the PCH will not be the same as it was prior to the fires.”
The picturesque route, which follows the California coastline, had been shut down since early January when the fire ravaged affluent neighborhoods in Los Angeles, leaving devastation from the hills down to the coast.
Traffic began again at 8 a.m. with access restrictions, allowing just one lane in each direction from Santa Monica to the border with Ventura County.
This reopening comes with stringent limitations. Residents or those with special entry passes must provide proof to enter the Palisades burn area.
The northernmost section in Malibu opened a day prior, on Sunday morning.
On Monday, Mayor Karen Bass announced that access control for the Palisades would be transferred from the Los Angeles Police Department to the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard.
“We are continuously adapting to this evolving scenario. This strategy will safeguard the Palisades and relieve pressure from the LAPD, which has been strained for nearly a month,” she stated.
The delays for reopening the Pacific Palisades area were attributed to last-minute decisions made by city officials in Los Angeles, who prioritized public safety and concerns about looting.
The reopening coincides with weather forecasts indicating rain beginning Tuesday.
Horvath noted that authorities will actively monitor the highway for possible dangers like mud and debris flows that could arise from the impending rain.
Palisades Fire Destruction
The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7 amid strong winds, caused extensive damage, destroying or damaging nearly 8,000 structures, including homes and businesses, and resulting in at least 12 fatalities.
Concurrently, another wind-driven fire, the Eaton Fire, ignited in Altadena, leading to a toll of at least 17 lives lost and damage to over 10,000 structures.
Both fires were finally contained the previous week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
From NTD News