𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗧𝗪𝗢: Army Corps Engineers Fortify PCH in Malibu for Post-Fire Cleanup Operation

On Monday, March 10, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup documented ongoing recovery efforts along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), traveling from Malibu Pier to Pacific Palisades in the wake of the devastating Palisades Fire. With the highway still closed to the public, it remains a critical hub for rebuilding fire-ravaged areas and restoring essential services.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has begun Phase Two of the Palisades Fire recovery effort, installing K-rails along PCH to create safe work zones for contractors using heavy equipment to clear debris and remove burnt homes along the coastline. These concrete barriers, commonly known as Jersey barriers, are being placed to protect workers and facilitate reconstruction.

Phase Two focuses on the systematic removal of hazardous materials, structural remnants, and compromised trees, with property owners required to submit Right of Entry forms to authorize debris removal. The Corps estimates that approximately 4.5 million tons of debris will be cleared in the coming months, ensuring environmental compliance and safe rebuilding conditions.

Strict access controls remain in place along PCH, with National Guard troops, Los Angeles Police Officers (LAPD), Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) manning checkpoints. CHP officers are enforcing a temporary 25-mph speed limit to accommodate ongoing cleanup and reconstruction efforts. Residents and contractors must obtain special entry passes to access restricted zones.

Utility crews are also working to restore essential services. LADWP and Southern California Edison are reestablishing electricity, while SoCalGas continues efforts to re-energize gas lines.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, rapidly expanded due to severe drought conditions and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds reaching 100 mph. The wildfire scorched 23,448 acres, destroying 6,837 structures and displacing over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding areas. The fire resulted in 12 fatalities and multiple injuries before being fully contained on January 31, 2025.

Recovery efforts remain ongoing as authorities work to rebuild and restore the affected communities.
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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, an award-winning photojournalist based in Santa Monica, is the creator of Santa Monica Closeup. With experience across various news outlets, he captures the city's vibrant life through compelling imagery and storytelling. His work, showcased in museums, galleries, and public spaces, highlights Santa Monica’s landscapes, culture, and diverse community

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TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography, SMCU, SM©U