Landslide Splits Pacific Palisades Home After Wildfire

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — A hillside home in Pacific Palisades was split in two by a landslide Thursday morning, just days after narrowly surviving the devastating Palisades Fire. The house, located in the 1700 block of Castellammare Drive, was pushed off its foundation by a buildup of mud and wildfire debris.

The landslide occurred in a neighborhood overlooking the Los Angeles County coast, near Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard. While surrounding homes were destroyed by the fire, this residence had remained largely untouched until the landslide struck. It remains unclear exactly when the landslide happened.

The Palisades Fire, which began in January, has burned 23,700 acres and destroyed approximately 5,000 homes. As of Thursday morning, containment stood at 22%. The fire has left the area vulnerable to secondary disasters, including landslides and debris flows, particularly when rain eventually arrives.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized the ongoing dangers in the region. “We still have a variety of work and structures to go through,” Luna said during a news conference. “There are areas that we are holding because we believe there may be deceased victims there.”

Authorities have confirmed two additional deaths tied to the wildfires, bringing the total number of fatalities to five. Search and rescue teams continue to comb through the affected areas, with 36 people still reported missing.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Thursday to address housing for those displaced by the fires. The order extends a ban on price gouging for hotel, motel, and rental housing in Los Angeles County until March 8 and aims to streamline the placement of temporary trailers for residents rebuilding their homes.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley warned residents to prepare for another round of powerful Santa Ana winds forecasted for early next week. “Flying embers from a wildfire can destroy homes over a mile away,” Crowley said, urging residents to take precautions.

The National Weather Service announced that the region’s nine-day wind siege has ended, offering some relief. However, mudslides and debris flows remain a concern for fire-stricken communities, even without rain in the immediate forecast.

Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, donated $15 million to wildfire recovery efforts, focusing on communities like Altadena, where the deadly Eaton Fire originated. “We love L.A. and are committed to supporting the communities affected by the devastating wildfires,” Ballmer said in a statement.

As recovery efforts continue, residents like Zoe Kahn, who fled her Pasadena home, are grappling with the aftermath. “Our house is standing, but there’s significant smoke damage,” Kahn said. “We are having our house professionally cleaned to ensure it’s safe for us to move back in.”

Health officials have warned returnees about lingering air quality and safety concerns. “You are breathing in particles that you cannot see,” said Jane Williams, Executive Director of California Communities Against Toxics. “They get lodged inside your lungs and have enormous public health impacts.”