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City Preps for High Winds as Palisades Fire Rages
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By Jorge Casuso January 14, 2025 -- With high winds and dry conditions persisting through Wednesday, the evacuation warning for the area north of San Vicente Boulevard will remain in place, City officials said Tuesday evening. Residents can return to the area "but should remain prepared with gathered essentials and be ready to leave the area if conditions worsen," officials said. The City is clearing overgrown vegetation on the Palisades bluffs along PCH and maintaining the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew north of San Vicente, as City officials continue to monitor the Palisades Fire. Wind gusts could reach up to 30 mph in Santa Monica and up to 50 to 75 mph in the mountain areas on Wednesday, fanning the flames of the fire that was 17 percent contained Tuesday evening. The fire has so far burned more than 23,700 acres, destroyed 1,280 structures and killed eight people, according to the latest data released Thursday. City officials will continue to monitor fire activity and have increased fire resources, officials said. "Out of state firefighting reinforcements are in the area to support Palisades Fire efforts and Santa Monica is helping facilitate lodging and apparatus staging areas for fire teams fighting on the front lines." Santa Monica residents are asked to "refrain from using leaf blowers that can further disperse ash and dust." For more information, click HERE City officials are also asking residents to "refrain from power washing ash and other debris" under a Public Health Ocean Water Advisory. They recommend "sweeping and disposing" the ash and debris. In addition, the City is asking residents to continue limiting outdoor irrigation while the Red Flag Warning is in place through Wednesday "to preserve water supply in case of an emergency." Palisades Fire: Santa Monica evacuation warning and curfew remain, businesses are open Under the fire and wind emergencies declared January 7, State and local laws prohibit price increases exceeding 10 percent for goods, services and housing. Those who suspect instances of price gouging in Santa Monica should email the City Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit at Consumer.Mailbox@santamonica.gov or visit smconsumer.org. Street-sweeping related parking enforcement will be suspended in the evacuation warning area north of San Vicente Boulevard on Thursday and Friday only. Residents should move their vehicles on their normal street sweeping days for crews to work without obstruction, officials said. Those who received a citation in Santa Monica while under an evacuation warning or order should call 311. Regularly scheduled city services, trash pickup, tree cleanup and street sweeping have resumed and are operating as normal. The Big Blue Bus and Metro E Line have suspended fares until further notice, officials said. PCH remains closed past Lincoln Boulevard. “My heart is with our region as we continue to navigate these difficult times and Santa Monica is tremendously fortunate to not see any active fires or homes lost within city limits,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. “Our community is open, strong and ready to welcome all with open arms. There is a long road ahead and we have come together to show what a resilient, caring community we are here in Santa Monica.” For more information about donations and the latest on city events and facility closures, and continued Palisades Fire updates, visit Santamonica.gov. |
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