Palisades Fire Update

Sent on behalf of Senior Administrative Staff and the Emergency Management Team

The Palisades Fire is rapidly spreading north of Santa Monica in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Currently, the wind is from the NNE and pushing the fire away from SMC. Several people have inquired about air quality and the air quality is actually very good. View real time monitoring from purple air.

Here is the matrix that the College uses to determine levels of health concerns and any impact on college operations including campus closures that unhealthy air can bring. The Malibu Campus will remain closed through Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Monitor your email and the SMC website for any updates.

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Jason Beardsley will be contacting faculty to be flexible with students who may be impacted by the Palisades fire. Employees who may be affected should contact  their supervisor and Campus Human Resources 

I also would encourage you to sign up for the City of Santa Monica’s alerts.

This is the current update from the City:

The city of Santa Monica is closely monitoring the Palisades Fire and working with resources at the wildfire’s Command Post to assist evacuations and traffic along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The Los Angeles Fire Department is the lead agency on the fire and Santa Monica Fire Department has deployed mutual aid.

There is currently no threat to Santa Monica and no evacuation orders within the city. Evacuation maps from Cal Fire.

Fire incidents are dynamic and can change. Information on how to create a personal action plan can be found at LA County Ready! Set! Go! Information from the city of Santa Monica on how to prepare for wildfire emergencies.

• Westbound I-10 at Lincoln Boulevard and northbound PCH 
• Northbound Ocean Avenue, 7th Street and 26th Street 
• Access points for northbound PCH at Moomat Ahiko and California Incline

• Annenberg Community Beach House

BBB Route 9 service has been suspended.

Residents are asked to avoid non-essential travel in northern portions of the city to facilitate evacuations and assist first responders. 

High winds are anticipated to continue at least through noon tomorrow, Jan. 8. Sign up for SMAlerts to receive any emergency information pertinent to the city. 

Incident Information/Website: Alerts | Los Angeles Fire Department, Palisades Fire | CAL FIRE

Evacuation Center: Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd, 90025

Johnnie Adams
Chief of Police, Santa Monica College
1718 Pearl Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405