Pacific Coast Highway Reopens

On January 7, wildfires erupted in the Pacific Palisades, quickly sweeping through the region and devastating large swaths of land, including parts of Malibu along the Pacific Coast Highway. The blaze took weeks to fully contain, leaving behind a charred landscape and forcing the closure of an 11-mile stretch of the PCH.

Abandoned vehicles were reduced to skeletal frames, haunting reminders of lives once lived there—of commutes, routines, and homes now reduced to ash. Even with the highway partially reopened, traffic moves slowly, restricted to 25 miles per hour. As of today, westbound traffic past Topanga Canyon was relatively light.

Checkpoints remain in place for access to local neighborhoods, but the highway is now passable, offering a sobering view of the fire’s aftermath. Some oceanfront homes stand miraculously untouched, while others lie in complete ruin.

In the wake of such destruction, many residents are left questioning the long-term risks of living along this beautiful yet volatile coastline. With the threat of future wildfires, mudslides, and floods ever-present, few will forget the harrowing scenes from earlier this year—and many hope nothing will rival the devastation left behind.