Santa Monica Issues Nighttime Curfew and Emergency Order as Palisades Fire Escalates

 Palisades Fire Prompts Nighttime Curfew and Local Emergency Order in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — In response to the escalating impacts of the Palisades Fire, the city of Santa Monica has issued a local emergency order, including a nighttime curfew in mandatory evacuation zones and other critical measures to support emergency efforts.

City Manager David White signed the order late Wednesday, and the Santa Monica City Council is expected to convene a special session within seven days to officially certify it. The curfew will be in effect from sunset to sunrise in areas under a mandatory evacuation order, aiding law enforcement in safeguarding affected neighborhoods.

“The Palisades Fire has placed nearly 2,500 households in Santa Monica under mandatory evacuation orders, with over 8,000 additional households under a voluntary evacuation warning,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. “This emergency order ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect residents, manage the crisis, and support eventual recovery.”

Santa Monica Police, along with mutual aid law enforcement agencies, have been actively assisting in evacuations and protecting property throughout the city. “The local emergency order enhances our ability to secure evacuated areas,” said White. “It helps prevent unauthorized individuals from entering these zones, especially those who may seek to exploit the situation.”

Key provisions of the local emergency order include:

• Temporary school relocation: Impacted schools may operate in non-residential zones.
• Parking enforcement suspension: Preferential parking rules are suspended for residents hosting evacuees.
• Price gouging protection: Emergency and recovery goods and services are protected from price gouging.
• Eviction restrictions: Residential tenants providing temporary shelter to evacuees and their pets are shielded from eviction.
• Construction halt: Non-essential construction in evacuation areas is temporarily prohibited, with extended deadlines granted for ongoing projects.

Residents can stay updated on evacuation orders, available services, and recovery resources by visiting SantaMonica.gov.