𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦: Army Corps Powers Through Demolition Along PCH After Mudslide Shutdown

MALIBU — April 27, 2025 — Less than 24 hours after mudslides forced the closure of Pacific Coast Highway between Pacific Palisades and Malibu, crews reopened the vital coastal corridor on Sunday as cleanup and fire recovery operations resumed.

Santa Monica Closeup traveled from Malibu to Pacific Palisades to document renewed recovery efforts along PCH, where engineers, utility crews, and federal response teams are continuing their mission to restore critical infrastructure following the devastating Palisades Fire.

As part of Phase Two of the federal disaster response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers directed the demolition of several fire-damaged properties along the coastline. Crews deployed large excavators to dismantle charred structures, using water suppression methods to control dust and airborne debris.

The demolition work is being carried out by engineering crews specializing in fire debris removal, earthwork, and underground utilities. Multiple properties were razed simultaneously in a coordinated push to clear hazardous sites along the route.

USACE teams also continue removing toxic debris and scorched vegetation throughout the burn zone. Property owners have submitted Right of Entry forms permitting federal access, with officials estimating the removal of approximately 4.5 million tons of debris in the coming months.

Access to the corridor remains tightly controlled. National Guard personnel, LAPD officers, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, and California Highway Patrol troopers are stationed at checkpoints, enforcing a 25 mph speed limit and limiting access to first responders, credentialed press, and authorized personnel. Residents and contractors must secure special entry permits to travel through the area.

With PCH restricted to recovery traffic, the highway now serves as a critical artery for the safe transport of heavy equipment and the restoration of power, water, and gas infrastructure throughout Malibu and surrounding communities.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, burned more than 23,000 acres and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures before containment was reached on January 31. As recovery efforts press forward, the focus remains on rebuilding and securing the fire-damaged region.

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Santa Monica Closeup continues to document fire recovery operations along Pacific Coast Highway and across Southern California’s burn zones.
SM©U
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲-𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱.

© 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗸𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇/𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱.

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Fabian Lewkowicz is a visual journalist and the creator of Santa Monica Closeup — a raw, street-level lens on life along the Westside. Based in Santa Monica, he documents the city’s stories as they unfold: public safety, street culture, surf breaks, and breaking news. His work blends powerful imagery with unfiltered storytelling, earning spots in galleries, museums, and public installations. Whether covering a beach rescue or a political rally, Fabian captures the pulse of the coast — one frame at a time.

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