On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Santa Monica Closeup traveled along Pacific Coast Highway from Pacific Palisades to the Malibu Pier to document the current state of infrastructure recovery following the devastating January 2025 Palisades Fire.
More than a year after the wildfire burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced an estimated 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and portions of the San Fernando Valley, reconstruction efforts remain visibly underway along one of Southern California’s most critical coastal corridors. Fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, the blaze resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries, leaving lasting physical and environmental impacts throughout the region.
Active construction zones were observed on both sides of Pacific Coast Highway, where utility crews continued trenching operations to install underground electrical infrastructure as part of ongoing system restoration and hardening efforts. Heavy machinery, including excavators and drilling equipment, was deployed along the shoulder and within designated work areas as crews excavated soil to accommodate conduit and utility access points.
During portions of the operation, sections of PCH were temporarily reduced to single-lane traffic while crews maneuvered equipment and conducted trenching work adjacent to the roadway. Traffic control personnel directed motorists through active work zones as construction activity progressed along the coastal stretch between Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
Pacific Palisades—long known for its hillside neighborhoods, scenic coastal bluffs, and proximity to culturally significant Native land—has historically been shaped by both natural beauty and environmental risk. The area’s rugged terrain and chaparral landscape have made it particularly vulnerable to wind-driven wildfires, including previous major incidents in 1961, 1978, and 1993. The 2025 Palisades Fire now stands among the most destructive in the community’s history, prompting large-scale rebuilding initiatives and infrastructure upgrades across the burn zone.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document recovery operations and reconstruction efforts along Pacific Coast Highway as rebuilding moves forward across the Palisades Fire impact area.
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Fabian Lewkowicz is an award-winning photojournalist based in Santa Monica and the creator of 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. Known for his compelling imagery and neutral reporting, his work captures the pulse of the city—from civic affairs and emergency response to cultural moments and beach life. His photography has been showcased in galleries, museums, and public installations.
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𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗦: Photojournalism, Visual Journalism, Street Reporting, Documentary, Observational Photography, Press Photography, Independent Media, Southern California News, SMCU, SM©U
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