Pacific Coast Highway Reopens as California Wildfires Reach Full Containment

The Palisades and Eaton fires, among the most destructive in California history, have claimed 29 lives and caused billions in damages.

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has reopened with restricted traffic following a month-long closure due to the Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Southern California.
The fires, which began on January 7 during extreme wind conditions, destroyed over 16,000 structures, burned more than 37,000 acres, and caused at least 29 fatalities.
Cleanup and recovery efforts are underway, with hazardous debris removal and utility repairs ongoing; access to the Palisades burn zone remains restricted to residents with proof of entry.
The economic toll of the fires is projected to exceed $250 billion, making them the costliest disaster in U.S. history, with thousands of residents facing financial and housing uncertainties.
Officials are monitoring the area for potential mudslides and debris flows as rain is forecasted, potentially complicating recovery efforts further.