Los Angeles: Authorities reopened several areas near the Eaton and Palisades Fires previously under mandatory evacuation orders on Friday.
A “significant portion” of the Eaton Fire area became accessible Friday, with more sections expected to open soon.
Progress Made by Emergency Crews
Approximately 280 personnel remain actively working to assess and address ongoing risks in affected regions, officials confirmed.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Captain Jabari Williams stated that authorities will continue reopening areas as conditions permit.
Precautions Necessary for Returning Residents
Residents returning near the Palisades Fire were advised to wear N95 masks due to lingering airborne toxins, officials warned.
“This work is far from finished, and safety measures must remain a priority,” emphasized County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
Infrastructure Damage Hampers Full Reopening
Horvath stressed that damaged utility infrastructure will require significant repairs before normal activities can resume.
“Returning doesn’t mean life is back to normal—residents should remain prepared for ongoing challenges,” she said Friday.
Curfew Restrictions in Effect for Evacuation Areas
A curfew remains active from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all evacuation-ordered zones, limiting access during specific hours.
Authorities encouraged residents to collect essential items like medications and valuables before leaving reopened areas.
Evacuation Orders Not Fully Lifted Yet
Officials clarified that full evacuation orders will only be lifted once all hazards are addressed and areas are declared safe.
Temporary access will expand as conditions improve, but safety remains the top priority, Williams emphasized.
Firefighters Continue Risk Assessments
Emergency crews are conducting extensive work to evaluate risks and ensure that returning residents face minimal danger.
Utility crews are repairing damaged systems, with full restoration timelines still uncertain in severely impacted neighborhoods.
Air Quality Concerns Persist
Environmental agencies warned that air quality in fire-affected areas remains hazardous, requiring extra precautions from returning individuals.
Residents are advised to limit their time outdoors and rely on protective masks while in reopened regions.
Authorities will provide further updates as conditions evolve, ensuring residents remain informed about the ongoing recovery process.
