Nearly six months after a wildfire devastated the Pacific Palisades, the last evacuation orders have been lifted. This announcement came from the Los Angeles Fire Department, signaling a significant step towards recovery for the coastal community.
The fire, which caused extensive damage, left parts of the neighborhood under evacuation orders due to hazards like downed power lines, potentially explosive lithium-ion batteries, and toxic debris. Lyndsey Lantz, a spokesperson for the Fire Department, explained that these dangers had kept residents away for an extended period.
The Army Corps of Engineers has been leading cleanup efforts in the area. They have worked with federal contractors to clear debris from over 3,200 properties, which has helped reduce the risks associated with the fire’s aftermath. Lantz noted that concerns had eased significantly since much of the wreckage has been removed.
Previously, only residents and contractors were allowed back into the affected areas, with checkpoints set up to keep the public away from lingering dangers. With the lifting of the final evacuation orders, the general public can now access the Pacific Palisades once again. However, Los Angeles police will maintain a presence in the area to deter potential theft and property crime.
While residents are welcome to return, health officials urge caution. They recommend wearing N-95 masks to protect against toxic dust that may still linger in the environment. Concerns about soil contamination have also been raised, as some local officials and environmental researchers worry that hazardous materials may remain in the soil after the cleanup.
Despite these concerns, the lifting of evacuation orders marks a hopeful moment for the community as it begins to heal and rebuild from the devastation of the wildfire.