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 (opens in new window) .

Here is the matrix that the College uses to determine levels of health concerns and any impact on college operations (opens in new window) 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 (opens in new window) .

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 (opens in new window) .

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! (opens in new window)  Information from the city of Santa Monica on how to prepare for wildfire emergencies (opens in new window) .

• 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 (opens in new window)  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 (opens in new window)  to receive any emergency information pertinent to the city. 

Incident Information/Website: Alerts | Los Angeles Fire Department (opens in new window) , Palisades Fire | CAL FIRE (opens in new window)

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