Palisades Fire Update

Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin sent the following update on Monday, January 20, at 6:30 p.m.

I have been receiving a lot of questions regarding the repopulation of the Palisades. Here is a quick synopsis.

Can my contractor or insurance adjuster go to my property to do an assessment or make repairs?

Once an area is open to repopulate, it is for residents only with proof of residency for the first 24 hours. After the 24-hour mark, the area is open to anyone as would be a normal day.

Can friends or family go with me to my property?

For the first 24 hours it is only for residents. Friends or family can go with you in the same vehicle, multiple vehicles are not allowed. Only one vehicle per proof of residency.

I need to check on my pets and or water my plants on my property.

To water your plants or maintain property you will have to wait until your area has been cleared for repopulation. To check on pets you will need to contact LA Animal Control Services to request an animal check and/or collect the animals: 213-270-8155.

Can I get an escort into my home to secure personal property (valuables) or safes?

We have been given explicit directions from the Unified Command Post to restrict escorts into the evacuation area as there are still emergency/utility personnel actively working. If you have contracted with a security company in the Palisades, I recommend reaching out to them to check and or secure whatever valuable property possibly still remaining or need to be secured.

I have seen neighbors posting pictures or messaging that they are back into their homes or neighborhood that is in the mandatory evacuation zones.

I know there have been people getting into the area using many channels (press, private security, hitching a ride with utility company). There are so many different entry points into the Palisades it is difficult to manage or catch every single person sneaking in. We are doing our best to monitor the area.

Is the area safe to move back into or sift through the rubble?

Once an area has been repopulated that means it was inspected by utilities and deemed safe to enter. There are still potential hazards throughout the Palisades, so you need to be very mindful of your surroundings. This includes wearing a mask for possible particulates in the area.

I am hearing that some people are getting conflicting information of when they are allowed to repopulate into the area. Please only check the CAL FIRE Genasys Protect website (protect.genasys.com) for the exact zones and visible map of the area.

Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.