Pacific Palisades Residents Begin Returning Home Amid Wildfire Aftermath

Pacific Palisades Residents Return to Assess Fire Damage

Residents of Pacific Palisades are taking their first steps back into their wildfire-devastated community after weeks of evacuation. For many, it’s a bittersweet return, filled with relief, uncertainty, and heartbreak.

Evacuees lined up Monday to have their IDs checked and were escorted by law enforcement to their homes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The neighborhood remains under strict curfew from sunrise to sunset to prevent looting and ensure safety during the recovery process.

Sarah and Liam Kamdar were among those who returned to salvage what they could. While their home survived, the couple faces challenges like unclean water, poor air quality, and no electricity. "It’s hard to breathe inside, and everywhere is burnt. There’s no more green left," Sarah shared. The Kamdars are currently staying with friends in Venice but have no timeline for when they can return permanently.

Nearby, the Fan family retrieved clean clothes and medication. "We’re lucky our street didn’t burn, but it feels like the twilight zone," one family member remarked. Like many others, they remain uneasy with strong winds in the forecast.

Despite the lingering dangers, some residents feel compelled to return, but logistical challenges like a lack of power, gas, and drinkable water prevent them from staying overnight.

As Pacific Palisades rebuilds, the emotional and physical toll of the fire is evident. Residents are grateful for their safety but remain cautious, knowing that the threat of wildfires in Southern California is far from over.