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(KTLA) – Thousands of wildfire evacuees hoping to begin repopulating areas destroyed by the Palisades and Eaton fires were asked to be patient Monday.
“All areas are safe,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone said at a press conference Monday, with more than 92,000 people still under evacuation orders and 89,000 residents still under evacuation orders. There will be no repopulation until the end of the year,” he said.
“Repopulation discussions are on our minds,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. “We have heard our community loud and clear, and we want to get you involved as quickly as possible.”
Cars pass homes and vehicles destroyed by the Palisades Fire at the Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Luna said the repopulation process in Altadena has been partially postponed due to an ongoing grid search of the neighborhood.
“This is a very demanding mission…We do this every day and we come across the bodies of each and every member of our community,” Luna said.
The sheriff indicated he expects more remains to be discovered as the grid search continues and asked for the understanding of those wishing to enter the area to identify property.
“Please be patient…we have people literally searching for your neighbor’s body,” Luna said.
“This area has not become safe,” Luna said, pointing to delays in repopulating the area due to searches, as well as potential crime scenes and other hazards that need to be protected.
A 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew will remain in place in mandatory evacuation areas, both the Palisades Fire-affected area and the Ession Fire-affected area.
Together, the two fires have burned nearly 40,000 acres and killed at least 24 people.
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