𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗪𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗘: Burnt Vehicles Towed from PCH as Fire Recovery Efforts Continue

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY – A tow truck driver from HMH Towing worked along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) on Thursday, March 6, 2025, hauling away several vehicles burned beyond recognition in the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire. The removal of charred wreckage is part of an ongoing effort to restore accessibility to the vital coastal roadway.

Public access to PCH remains heavily restricted, with only one lane open in each direction under a strictly enforced 25-mph speed limit. National Guard Military Police continue to man checkpoints, granting entry solely to first responders, authorized personnel, and select members of the press. Residents and contractors seeking access must obtain special entry passes.

The highway, which remains closed to the general public, has become a key operations hub for recovery crews working to rebuild fire-ravaged communities. The removal of burned-out vehicles and debris is a critical step in clearing the way for infrastructure repairs and reconstruction efforts.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, scorched more than 23,000 acres across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. The wildfire left a trail of destruction, leveling approximately 6,837 structures, displacing over 105,000 residents, and claiming at least 12 lives. Fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, the fire spread with devastating speed, overwhelming emergency responders and forcing aerial firefighting efforts to be temporarily suspended.

Recovery efforts continue as officials work to restore essential services and assist displaced residents in the wake of one of Southern California’s most destructive wildfires.
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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