The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has initiated the repopulation of certain evacuation zones affected by the Palisades Fire, signaling a shift in focus from fire containment to community recovery and security. Residents of zones C-111A, C-112B, and U-030B, situated near Malibu, were permitted to return to their homes on Tuesday afternoon, accessing their properties through a designated checkpoint at the Malibu Pier. This phased repopulation marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy for residents displaced by the wildfire.
The LASD has concurrently announced a bolstering of security measures in the Altadena area, impacted by the Eaton Fire, to address potential looting and other criminal activities that often emerge during such vulnerable periods. Recognizing the heightened security risks associated with evacuations and power outages, the department has implemented a multi-pronged approach to safeguarding the community. This strategy includes increased patrols, specialized anti-looting teams, and aerial surveillance.
Central to the LASD’s enhanced security operations is the formation of a dedicated “Looter Suppression Team.” This specialized unit comprises personnel from various LASD divisions, bringing together a range of expertise to effectively combat looting and other criminal acts. The team’s mission is to proactively deter criminal activity and ensure the safety of returning residents. Their presence serves as a deterrent and provides rapid response capabilities should any incidents occur.
Complementing the Looter Suppression Team’s ground operations, the LASD’s AERO Bureau is conducting aerial patrols over the affected areas. These aerial patrols enhance surveillance capabilities, providing a comprehensive overview of the situation and enabling swift responses to any emerging security concerns. This combination of ground and air patrols ensures a consistent and visible law enforcement presence throughout the affected communities, particularly in neighborhoods still grappling with utility outages and heightened security vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, the LASD has increased the number of deputies assigned to patrol operations in the impacted areas, augmenting the presence of law enforcement and providing reassurance to returning residents. This visible presence is intended to deter criminal activity and provide a sense of security to residents as they navigate the challenges of returning to their homes and beginning the recovery process. The heightened security measures demonstrate the LASD’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of the community during this challenging period.
While the Los Angeles County curfew order remains in effect, it has been modified to apply exclusively to areas still under active evacuation orders. Residents in areas under evacuation warnings are no longer subject to the curfew restrictions. This adjustment reflects the evolving situation and aims to minimize disruptions for residents who are not in immediate danger. The LASD’s overall objective is to facilitate a smooth transition back to normalcy for returning residents by prioritizing safety, preventing criminal activity, and reassuring the community. The department has expressed gratitude for the residents’ patience, resilience, and cooperation throughout this challenging ordeal and remains committed to supporting the recovery efforts in the affected areas.
