The Los Angeles Fire Department has officially lifted restrictions for the Palisades neighborhood affected by the January 2025 wildfires, over six months after the deadly Palisades Fire scorched over 23,000 acres and devastated thousands of homes and businesses.
“Evacuation orders have been fully lifted for all zones affected by the Palisades Fire,” reads an announcement shared Monday by the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The evacuation orders had been in place since January 7, the day the fire ignited and, fueled by intense Santa Ana winds, tore through parts of the Southern California coastline. While some residents were gradually allowed to return in the weeks following the disaster, officials kept the evacuation orders active due to lingering toxic and hazardous conditions.
According to LAFD spokesperson Lyndsey Lantz, who spoke with KTLA5 News, it’s unclear whether a specific event on Sunday prompted the update. However, health and fire authorities recently agreed that the air and soil in the area are now clear of the environmental hazards previously flagged by the EPA and other agencies during cleanup efforts.
Lantz added that with the evacuation orders lifted, all traffic stops and residential pass requirements are now gone. People are free to come and go as they please. This update comes just weeks after major roads in the area, including Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard, were reopened to the public.