Palisades Fire: Santa Monica maintains evacuation orders, monitors active nearby fire line

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2025) – The city of Santa Monica continues to monitor the Palisades Fire movement in Mandeville Canyon and current mandatory Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in place amid critical fire weather. 

Evacuation Order north of San Vicente Boulevard

The area from San Vicente Boulevard north remains under mandatory evacuation order and public access is not allowed. 

Evacuation Warning north of Montana Avenue to San Vicente Boulevard 

Residents may voluntarily return to this area but should remain prepared with gathered essentials and be ready to leave the area if conditions worsen. These areas should continue to be vigilant and have evacuation plans in place.   

The Santa Monica current evacuation map can be viewed here.  

 
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning in effect through Wednesday Jan. 15. Wind gusts could reach up to 30 mph in Santa Monica and up to 50-75 mph in the mountain areas where the Palisades Fire is still actively burning.  

The city will continue to monitor fire activity overnight and has upstaffed fire resources in Santa Monica. Out of state firefighting reinforcements began arriving today to support Palisades Fire efforts and Santa Monica is helping facilitate lodging and apparatus staging areas for fire teams fighting on the front lines. 

“We are remaining vigilant in monitoring the Palisades Fire and thank our residents for their continued patience as dry and windy conditions continue,” Mayor Lana Negrete said. “I am immensely grateful for all the continued efforts and support arriving on the front lines to keep our community safe and thank everyone for their cooperation.” 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for SMAlerts for important safety information and follow the city on Facebook, X or Instagram for regular updates. Call 911 to report down power lines or immediate threats to life or property.  

A curfew is still in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all areas under a mandatory evacuation order and evacuation warning. 

The 330th Military Police, part of the law enforcement branch of the California National Guard, are stationed at traffic control points around Santa Monica to ensure the safety of the surrounding community. 

Curfew orders are in place to protect evacuation zones from criminals who choose to loot or commit other crimes in these areas. These individuals will be arrested, booked and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Santa Monica Police continues to have a robust and consistent presence in evacuation zones. 

No enforcement action will be taken against residents trying to repopulate the evacuation zone that was recently downgraded to an Evacuation Warning. For residents returning to warning areas, please carry current identification and minimize trips in and out of all evacuation areas. If you see anything suspicious or disturbing, please call 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies, or (310) 458-8491. 

Public Works teams are systematically working through the city from south to north to clear debris and assess damage. Crews will cover every street and alley in the city, so residents are asked to please refrain from submitting individual 311 requests. 

Regularly scheduled city services such as street sweeping, trash pickup, tree cleanup, and other services began today in evacuation warning areas. 

If residents find large pieces of ash or debris around their home, let it sit and cool in a metal can for a few days, covered. Then dispose in the black trash container. More information from LA County on safe cleanup after a fire.  

For Los Angeles Department of Water and Power water customers in Santa Monica (residents that live on Woodacres Road, Esparta Way, and Ermont Place north of San Vicente Boulevard), please view the Do Not Drink for Pacific Palisades and Surrounding Communities. For questions, call 1-800-DIAL-DWP.  

All other water customers within city limits are serviced by the city of Santa Monica water utility. Water serviced by the city of Santa Monica water utility remains safe to drink. 

For more information about donations and the latest on city events and facility closures, and continued Palisades Fire updates, visit Santamonica.gov.