All Residents North of San Vicente Boulevard Cleared to Return
The city of Santa Monica announced Saturday that all evacuation warnings within its city limits have been lifted, following significant progress in containing the Palisades Fire. Residents in all areas north of San Vicente Boulevard, previously under an evacuation warning, are now cleared to return home. Containment of the Palisades Fire has now reached 43%.
Additionally, the curfew imposed in the evacuation warning area, which restricted movement between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., has been lifted. However, a curfew remains in effect in areas of Los Angeles city and county still under evacuation orders or warnings.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) within Santa Monica city limits has reopened to residents, businesses, and patrons. Key access points, including Moomat Ahiko Way and the California Incline, are also open. However, access to PCH and areas north of Santa Monica remains under the control of the Los Angeles Police Department. Updates on evacuation zones north of Santa Monica are available on the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Palisades Fire webpage.
The I-10 Freeway remains closed beyond Lincoln Boulevard until further notice. Drivers traveling to Santa Monica are advised to exit at Lincoln Boulevard, Cloverfield Boulevard, or Centinela Avenue.
Santa Monica businesses on the pier and along PCH are now open and welcoming customers. The Annenberg Community Beach House will reopen Thursday, Jan. 23, with planned maintenance closures scheduled for Jan. 27-28.
Residents and visitors can access businesses using the Big Blue Bus or the Metro E Line, both of which have suspended fares through the weekend. For updated transit information, visit Big Blue Bus. Santa Monica’s extensive network of bikeways and bike racks also provides eco-friendly travel options.
Mayor Lana Negrete has shared a message of support for local business recovery efforts, which can be viewed on the city’s website.
Santa Monica’s Emergency Operations Center has transitioned to a monitoring role as the city moves toward recovery. A centralized webpage with resources for residents and businesses has been launched to assist in the recovery process.
The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Jan. 20-21, with potential Red Flag Warning conditions expected early next week.
Per the city’s emergency order, outdoor burning is prohibited during Red Flag Warnings. Restrictions include:
- No wood-burning fire pits or stoves.
- No bonfires, recreational fires, or open burning of any kind.
- Charcoal and wood grilling are not allowed. (Gas or propane grills may be cautiously used and kept away from flammable materials.)
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to 911 for emergencies or call (310) 458-8491 for non-urgent concerns.
