California officials announced Tuesday that residents in certain Palisades fire evacuation zones will be allowed to return home as the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department increases safety measures to combat looting.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Zones C-111A, C-112B and U-030B near Malibu reopened to residents Tuesday afternoon, provided they pass through the Malibu checkpoint.
The operation comes after the department announced it would ramp up operations in the Altadena-Eaton Fire-scorched areas to aid recovery and ensure community safety.
Aftermath of fires in Pacific Palisades and along Pacific Coast Highway Officials said at least 10 people were killed in all the fires in Los Angeles, and 5,300 structures were destroyed in the Palisades fire. January 10, 2025, Los Angeles, California. (David Hume Kennerley/Getty Images)
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Officials said they were ramping up efforts and “strategically” shifting operations from strictly enforced containment measures to supporting local communities.
The ministry said it was prioritizing the safety and recovery of residents as they began to return to their homes and neighborhoods, and announced the creation of a specialized “looter suppression team.”
According to a statement from the department, “This specialized unit is comprised of personnel drawn from multiple LASD divisions, and each division is responsible for combating looting and other criminal activity that may occur during a time of vulnerability in the community. “We’re bringing expertise to the fight.”
Officials said the team will be working with additional deputy personnel to strengthen its patrol operations.


Workers pull a burnt out car from the wreckage of a home destroyed in the Palisades Fire on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Malibu, California. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
The agency’s aviation directorate will carry out air patrols to strengthen surveillance and rapid response capabilities and ensure comprehensive coverage of the affected areas, the statement said.
“These efforts will ensure continuous 24-hour patrols and ensure a consistent and visible law enforcement presence, especially in areas that are still dealing with utility power outages and heightened security risks.” said the officials.
The curfew issued by Los Angeles County remains in effect, but only in areas with active evacuation orders, the department said. People who have been advised to evacuate are not eligible.


Tim Murphy of the San Francisco Fire Department extinguishes a hot spot in a burned building in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Monday, January 13, 2025. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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“As residents return to their properties, LASD is committed to assisting them during this difficult time,” officials said. “The Department’s efforts aim to facilitate a smooth transition to normalcy by ensuring safety, preventing criminal activity and reassuring communities.
“LASD would like to thank the residents of Altadena for their patience, resiliency, and cooperation during this difficult time. LASD remains steadfast in ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of all communities across Los Angeles County. We’re going to work on it.” Recovery efforts continue. ”
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Staging for returning residents will take place at the Malibu Pier, 23000 Pacific Coast Highway.