The Pacific Coast Highway has been closed at the McClure Tunnel to allow all lanes to be used to evacuate Malibu.
The City of Santa Monica sent an emergency notice at about 1 p.m. Friday saying North Bound Pacific Coast Hwy from the McClure Tunnel to the North City Limits is closed down until further notice. All West Bound On Ramps to the I 10 within the City of Santa Monica are closed until further notice.
The closure will allow the California Highway Patrol to open all four lanes of Pacific Coast Highway southbound from Malibu Canyon Rd. to the 10 Freeway in Santa Monica for vehicular evacuees, to assist in immediate evacuations in the area.
Drivers are asked to please follow the new traffic patterns identified by the California Highway Patrol in the area.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, there are over 200 deputies working alongside other police and fire agencies to battle the fire and get residents out safely.
The fire has burned over 14,000 acres and is currently 0 percent contained.
Currently, the Sheriff’s Department is evacuating residents and they are asking that the residents who are in the area of Hidden Hills, Malibu, Malibu Canyon area east to Topanga Canyon Road, including all areas south/west through the Ventura County Coast safely evacuate.
Evacuees are asked to bring identification, medication, important documents, emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
The Taft High School Shelter is currently full and individuals are being asked to go to Pierce College located at 6201 Winnetka Avenue, or Palisades Charter High School 15777 Bowdoin Street, Pacific Palisades.
Evacuated animals and pets can be taken to Hansen Dam located at 10400 Glenoaks Blvd. Pacoima CA 91331.
Submitted by Deputy Joana Warren
