California Highway Patrol Officers (CHP) Escort Residents Back to Pacific Palisades After Fire Evacuations

On Monday, January 20, 2025, California Highway Patrol officers escorted convoys of residents along the Pacific Coast Highway to the Pacific Palisades Highlands as part of the repopulation process. Residents were first directed to Parking Lot 3 North at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, where Los Angeles Police officers verified their identification to confirm residency before allowing access to their homes in the Palisades.

Repopulation efforts follow the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) announcement on Sunday, January 19, reducing evacuation orders to resident-only access for Zones LOS-0767-J and LOS-0767-G. Residents in Zone LOS-0767-J are required to participate in escorted convoys, conducted daily between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., to safely navigate back to their properties.

Evacuation zones LOS-0767-J include areas north of Santa Ynez Road, south of Temescal Fire Road, east of E Topanga Fire Road and Colina Drive, and west of Temescal Fire Road. Zone LOS-0767-G covers areas north of Observation Drive, south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, east of Montau Drive, and west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Residents must present proof of residency, such as a photo ID with their name and physical address, to gain access. Officials urge residents to have documents ready to ensure smooth verification and efficient repopulation.

Meanwhile, evacuation warnings for additional zones, including LOS-0767-C, LOS-0767-B, LOS-Q0762-A, and LOS-Q0762-C, have been lifted, allowing those residents to return without restrictions.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, scorched over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents in Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. Recovery efforts remain ongoing, with search and rescue teams, utility workers, and local agencies working to restore essential services and clear debris to pave the way for rebuilding.

As residents begin returning, officials remind the public to exercise caution and adhere to all safety guidelines as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue. For more information and updates on evacuation zones, visit the Los Angeles Fire Department’s website.