California officials are reopening some areas affected by the Palisades fire
California officials announced Tuesday that residents in certain Palisades fire evacuation zones will be allowed to return home as the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department increases security measures to address vandalism.
Zones C-111A, C-112B and U-030B near Malibu reopened to residents Tuesday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The operation comes after the department announced it was stepping up operations around the Altadena Eaton Fire to support recovery and ensure community safety.
At least 10 people have died and 5,300 buildings have been destroyed by the Palisades fire in all of Los Angeles, according to the fire that broke out along Pacific Palisades and Pacific Coast Highway. January 10, 2025, Los Angeles, California. (David Hume Kennerley/Getty Images)
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Officials said they were stepping up their efforts and shifting “strategic” operations from strictly enforced containment measures to community support.
The department said it is prioritizing the safety and recovery of residents as they begin to return to their homes and neighborhoods, and announced the creation of a special “Looter Suppression Team.”
“This unit is comprised of personnel from multiple LASD divisions, each bringing unique expertise to combating robberies and other criminal activities that may occur during community exposure,” the department’s statement said.
Officials also announced that the team will work with additional deputies assigned to increase patrol duties.
Workers pull a burned car from the wreckage of a home destroyed by the Palisades Fire, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
It was pointed out in the statement that the agency’s MEAD office will carry out aerial surveillance operations.
“Together, these efforts will ensure continuous 24-hour surveillance to provide a consistent and visible law enforcement presence, particularly in neighborhoods that continue to experience utility outages and security threats.”
A curfew in Los Angeles County remains in place, but is limited to areas under active evacuation orders, the agency said. Those under a release warning are no longer subject to restrictions.
Tim Murphy, with the San Francisco Fire Department, excavates hot spots in a burned property after the Palisades Fire, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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“As residents return to their properties, LASD is committed to helping them through this challenging time,” officials said. “The department’s efforts are aimed at facilitating the transition to normalcy by ensuring security, deterring criminal activity and stabilizing the community.
“LASD is grateful for the patience, resilience and cooperation of Altadena residents during these difficult times. The department remains committed to ensuring the safety, security and well-being of all communities in Los Angeles County. Recovery efforts continue.”
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An event for returning residents will be held at the Malibu Pier, located in the 23000 block of Pacific Coast Highway.
