All Santa Monica and Malibu schools will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 due to the Palisades fire, concerning weather conditions, questionable air quality, road closures and evacuations.
The wildfire, which remains 0% contained, has forced evacuations in northern Santa Monica.
District officials said they will reassess conditions early Wednesday morning and notify families by 6 a.m. if any schools need to close. Individual schools may close based on factors including location in evacuation zones and hazardous air quality levels as determined by the EPA or South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The fire has prompted major road closures in the area. Pacific Coast Highway is closed from the McClure tunnel in Santa Monica to Las Flores in Malibu. Topanga Canyon Boulevard will remain closed through Friday, though residents with identification will be allowed access unless weather conditions force a complete shutdown.
School officials are working with local agencies to monitor the situation. Updates will be available through school principals, the district office and official social media channels.
Additional information about evacuations, road closures and fire conditions can be found through CalFire's Palisades Fire webpage, city alerts from Malibu and Santa Monica, and local media outlets. Current traffic conditions are available via the Caltrans QuickMap system.
