Three schools that were partially destroyed by the Palisades Fire almost three months ago have been cleared of fire debris, setting the stage to begin the rebuilding of the campuses, Los Angeles officials announced Friday.
During a news conference Friday morning, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Councilwoman Traci Park and Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho celebrated that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially cleared fire debris from Palisades Charter High School, Palisades Charter Elementary and Marquez Charter Elementary.
The Palisades Fire erupted Jan. 7, destroying nearly 7,000 structures and resulting in the death of at least 12 people.
“I want to thank our partners at LAUSD as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for ensuring that we are doing everything possible for students and families impacted by these fires,” Bass said in a statement.
Councilwoman Park, who represents the 11th District, encompassing the Palisades area, called the work a “big step forward” for the community. She added, “These schools are anchors in our community, and clearing them brings us closer to rebuilding and reopening for our students and families. I’m grateful to the Army Corps for their swift work.”
According to Col. Brian Sawser of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, fire debris-removal is moving forward and has been completed at hundreds of properties in the impacted area.
Carvalho noted the tragedy demonstrated that “Together, we can achieve great things.”
LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin, who represents schools in West Los Angeles and the West San Fernando Valley, added that they are one step closer to welcoming kids back to these campuses safely.
Jon Brown, a parent whose child attends Palisades Charter Elementary, joined officials to share the significance of what was characterized as a milestone.
“On January 7th, I picked up my kindergartner from school not knowing it would be the last time he’d see his classroom standing. Watching your child lose their school, their home, their whole world — it breaks you,” Brown said.
“You’re not just clearing debris — you’re creating a path back to our home. We’re deeply grateful and we look forward to continuing this effort together,” Brown added.
Los Angeles officials are encouraging residents impacted by January’s wildfires to opt in or out of the USACE’s free fire debris-removal program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency extended the deadline to April 15 for residents to sign up. The form is available bit.ly/4iKGvr2.
Across town Friday morning, meanwhile, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for new classroom space for Saint Mark’s School, housing developmental kindergarten through sixth-grade classes. The school, which lost its campus in the Eaton Fire, is now housed in what’s being called Saint Mark’s Village on the campus of EF Academy Pasadena. School officials said the project is the fastest local school rebuilding effort so far, taking just two months.
“This ribbon-cutting represents more than just a temporary solution — it’s a testament to our community’s resilience and the collective effort to keep education at the forefront,” Jennifer Tolbert, Head of School at Saint Mark’s, said in a statement. “Thanks to the generosity of EF Academy, the dedication of countless supporters, and the critical state measures that expedited rebuilding efforts, our students can continue their education without disruption. We are confident that when we return to our permanent campus, it will be even stronger and better for the future.”
Saint Mark’s Village covers more than 12,000 square feet and includes 22 classrooms, administrative offices and dedicated outdoor space. It was built on 32,000 square feet of previously unused land at EF Academy.
“The creation of Saint Mark’s Village in such a short time is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together,” county Supervisor Kathryn Barger said. “Pasadena has shown incredible leadership in ensuring students have a place to learn and grow, and this collaboration between Saint Mark’s and EF Academy Pasadena demonstrates the power of education to unite and uplift.”