After a long wait, the last of Palisades residents to return reclaim what’s left
Residents anxious to see what had become of their properties in the wake of the Palisades Fire waited in their cars for hours for permission to return after officials lifted the last remaining evacuation orders.
A line of vehicles stretching two or three miles snaked along Pacific Coast Highway as motorists inched into beachside parking lot No. 3 in Santa Monica, where they had to show ID to receive a permit that allowed them to drive into the burn zone. They still would have to be out of the area by nightfall because a curfew remained in effect.
Planning to rebuild
Just across Sunset Boulevard in the Huntington Palisades neighborhood, Paul Kedeshian accompanied his mother and grandmother to look through the rubble of their home. Paul, 19, would be taking this quarter off from college to deal with the aftermath of the fire.
All three family members sported head-to-toe protective gear, sort of resembling hazmat suits.
“I thought that we were going to have to be like gold miners with a pan just sifting through just complete ash,” Paul Kedeshian said.
While their home wasn’t reduced to total ash, few items were left.
“The things and stuff that I was hoping survived … now I’m kind of hoping to some degree that they didn’t because I know that the state they would be in would just be unsalvageable,” Paul said. “Emotionally, I’d rather just write it off.”
The family did find silverware, melted-down jewelry, and two antique and partially melted typewriters that were owned by Paul’s great-grandfather.
‘This beautiful town’
Returning residents were urged to wear protective gear. Health officials have warned that neighborhoods are filled with toxic ash that’s a mix of incinerated cars, electronics, batteries, building materials, paints, furniture and other household items. It contains pesticides, asbestos, plastics and lead.
Jack Hassett said his family was anxious but not impatient about being let back into the Pacific Palisades on Tuesday. They had toured their burned neighborhood once before in the days after the fire roared through, but were happy to wait for the all clear.
“Making sure that it’s safe for everybody to come in, and letting the firefighters and the EPA and everybody else do their jobs, is always the most important thing,” he said.
Hassett didn’t find much in the ash at his family’s Pacific Palisades house, uncovering only some pottery and assorted kitchenware.
“It’s nice to find those little things that, you know, at one point didn’t mean so much,” said Hassett, 22. “Plates are plates. But now they’re, you know, a memory to sort of look back on … It’s such a scary thing to see all this, but it’s really sort of beautiful in a way.”
Conclusion
The Palisades Fire was a devastating event that left many residents without a home. The return of the last of the residents to the area marks a significant milestone in the recovery process. While the road to rebuilding will be long and challenging, the resilience and determination of the residents of the Pacific Palisades will ensure that their community is rebuilt and stronger than ever.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the Palisades Fire?
A: The cause of the Palisades Fire is still under investigation.
Q: How many homes were destroyed in the fire?
A: According to officials, the fire destroyed over 100 homes in the Pacific Palisades.
Q: What is the current status of the fire?
A: The fire is currently contained, and residents are being allowed to return to their properties under the supervision of authorities.
Q: What precautions are being taken to ensure public safety?
A: Health officials are urging residents to wear protective gear when returning to their properties due to the presence of toxic ash.
Q: What is the plan for rebuilding the community?
A: The plan for rebuilding the community is still being developed, but officials are working with residents to ensure that the process is done in a safe and sustainable manner.
