Fire Debris Cleared At 3 Palisades Schools, Allowing Rebuilding To Begin Soon

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Three schools that were partially destroyed by the Palisades Fire have been cleared of debris, setting the stage for rebuilding to begin, officials said Friday.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cleared debris from Palisades Charter High School, Palisades Charter Elementary and Marquez Charter Elementary, officials said at a Friday morning news conference.

"These schools are anchors in our community, and clearing them brings us closer to rebuilding and reopening for our students and families. I'm grateful to the Army Corps for their swift work," said Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents the Palisades.

Jon Brown, a parent whose child attends Palisades Charter Elementary, joined officials to share the significance of what was characterized as a milestone.

"On January 7th, I picked up my kindergartner from school not knowing it would be the last time he'd see his classroom standing. Watching your child lose their school, their home, their whole world — it breaks you," he said.

The Palisades Fire, which broke out nearly three months ago, destroyed some 7,000 structures and led to the death of at least 12 people. The Army Corps is leading the process of clearing those properties of debris, which will allow homeowners, commercial property owners and government agencies to begin rebuilding.

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Army Corps' Col. Brian Sawser said debris-removal is moving forward and has been completed at hundreds of properties in the impacted area.

Pali High officials last month announced that the school will lease a renovated space in Santa Monica that used to house a Sears store to serve as a temporary school facility. The school, which moved to online learning in the aftermath of the fire, plans to relocate to its Palisades campus in the fall.

“This is an important first step for our Palisades Charter High community, and gives us the necessary space for all of our students and faculty to come back together for in-person learning, support and connection,” Executive Director and Principal Dr. Pam Magee said in a statement. “We are grateful to secure a space that can accommodate our 2,400 Pali students along with our faculty and staff for the remainder of this school year as we work in parallel to prepare for the reopening of our permanent campus.”

Los Angeles officials are encouraging residents impacted by January's wildfires to opt in or out of the USACE's free fire debris-removal program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency extended the deadline to April 15 for residents to sign up. The form is available online.

City News Service contributed to this report.