Pacific Palisades Rebuild Nearly Two Years After Devastating Wildfire

More than a year and a half after the largest wildfire in Los Angeles history tore through Pacific Palisades, the Southern California community is slowly reopening its doors and asking visitors to help drive its recovery.

A Milestone Reopening Marks a Turning Point for the Community

The fire burned for 24 days between January 7 and January 31, 2025, forcing roughly 30,000 evacuations, destroying more than 23,000 acres, and contributing to 12 deaths. Researchers at UCLA estimated the disaster cost local businesses and employees $297 million in lost wages.

On Aug. 15, the town marked a major recovery milestone with the reopening of Palisades Village, the shopping center at the heart of the community since 2018. Palisades Village CEO Corinne Verdery said the reopening is meant to signal to other businesses and families that the community is coming back.