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President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Pacific Palisades has prompted Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to lift evacuation orders, allowing residents to return to their fire-ravaged neighborhoods.
During his assessment of the Palisades Fire damage, Trump strongly criticized the initial 18-month timeline for residents’ return, advocating for immediate access to their properties.
INCOMPETENT BUREAUCRATS RIGHT THERE.
LA Mayor Bass heckled at Trump meeting, argues with the President
Fire victims to Bass: This is YOUR responsibility
Bass: Victims can go back to homes in a week?
Trump: You can do everything in 24 hours
Spot the leader. pic.twitter.com/hHKlFIv41P
— John Metzner (@JohnRMetzner) January 25, 2025
“One thing is they are saying they will not be allowed to start for 18 months… You should let them do it because by the time you hire contractors, it’s going to be two years,” Trump told Bass. “The people are willing to get a dumpster and do it themselves and clean it out. There’s not that much left. It’s all incinerated.
“It’s just going to take a long time… He doesn’t want to wait around for seven months till the city hires some demolition contractor that’s going to charge him $25,000 to do his lot. You have emergency powers just like I do, and I’m exercising my emergency powers. You have to exercise them also.
“I watched hundreds of people standing in front of their lots, and they’re not allowed to go in. It’s all burned. It’s gone. It’s done. Nothing’s going to happen to it. It’s not going to burn anymore. There’s nothing to burn. There’s almost nothing to burn. They want to go in. The people are all over the place,” Trump said.
Following Trump’s intervention, Bass announced on social media platform X that select evacuation zones would reopen, with residents required to show proof of residency upon return.
“Evacuation orders have now been lifted for select safe zones. Residents must provide proof of residency,” Karen Bass announced on X Sunday.
“Know the risks. Follow public health guidelines: wear a N95 mask and use personal protective equipment,” she added.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has implemented a structured repopulation plan, opening three specific zones (C-111A, C-112B, and U-030B) as of Tuesday afternoon. Residents can access these areas through a designated checkpoint on Pacific Coast Highway, where they must present valid identification and proof of residence.
Trump Effect Prompts LA to Let Fire Victims Return to Their Homes Today pic.twitter.com/df4nf8NvEz
— JD Rucker (@JDRucker) January 27, 2025
Support services have been established at Malibu Pier, where CERT teams and Red Cross volunteers are distributing essential supplies including protective equipment and recovery information. The county has also issued comprehensive safety guidelines for returning residents, emphasizing careful navigation around emergency crews and utility workers still active in the area.
Authorities have established strict protocols for debris removal and cleanup operations, with the Los Angeles County Health Officer mandating safe fire debris removal procedures. Officials have requested state and federal assistance to expedite the recovery process, while urging residents to exercise caution and follow proper safety measures when returning to their properties.
To ensure a safe return, residents are advised to wear protective gear, avoid direct contact with potentially toxic ash, and wait for professional inspection before restoring utilities. The county also emphasizes the importance of documenting damage for insurance purposes and seeking emotional support if needed during this challenging transition period.