California Highway Patrol Officers Tow Burnt Vehicles Along PCH in Malibu After Devastating Blaze

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers worked along the Pacific Coast Highway to remove vehicles destroyed in the Palisades Fire. The vehicles, burnt beyond recognition, required meticulous efforts to identify their owners before being towed. Officers carefully located and verified the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to match them with registered owners. These vehicles were among the countless losses caused by the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025. The fire ravaged over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents in Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. The removal of burnt vehicles is a critical step in the ongoing recovery process, ensuring that Pacific Coast Highway is cleared for safe travel and infrastructure restoration. This effort complements broader search and recovery operations, including debris clearance, identifying remains, and preparing the region for rebuilding. As work progresses, residents and motorists are urged to remain patient and vigilant as recovery teams, including CHP and other agencies, continue their efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas.