California wildfires recovery updates: Monday, Feb. 17

SUGGESTED COVERAGE: Topanga businesses battle Mother Nature

After rounds of wildfires, storms and mudslides, Topanga businesses are still standing.

LOS ANGELES - As crews work to remove potentially hundreds of thousands of tons of hazardous materials from the Los Angeles wildfires, researchers and officials are trying to understand how the fires on land have impacted the sea.

The Palisades and Eaton fires scorched thousands of homes, businesses, cars and electronics, turning everyday items into hazardous ash made of pesticides, asbestos, plastics, lead, heavy metals and more.

Since much of it could end up in the Pacific Ocean, there are concerns and many unknowns about how the fires could affect life under the sea.

Los Angeles County officials, with help from other agencies, have set thousands of feet of concrete barriers, sandbags, silt socks and more to prevent debris from reaching beaches. The LA County Board of Supervisors also recently passed a motion seeking state and federal help to expand beach cleanups, prepare for storm runoff and test ocean water for potential toxins and chemicals, among other things.

Follow FOX 11's live blog with the latest updates provided on the Jan. 2025 fires in Southern California:

Calabasas Landfill

6 p.m.: The EPA said it is not using the Calabasas Landfill to dump toxic waste from the Palisades Fire.

Eviction defense proposal

3:30 p.m.: After a split 6-5 vote Friday, the Los Angeles City Council will make a final decision Tuesday on a proposal to provide eviction defense for nannies, gardeners and other residents who were impacted economically by January's wildfires.

Last week, the council was unable to advance a list of recommendations that would have prohibited evictions for non-payment of rent and no-fault evictions for tenants who could show proof of economic hardships as a result of the fire emergencies.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: LA City Council rejects eviction protection for wildfire victims

The Los Angeles City Council voted down a bill that would have protected wildfire victims from evictions

Malibu evacuations lifted

1:30 p.m.: Evacuation orders issued in Malibu during last week's rainstorm have been lifted, the city announced Monday.

The following areas had evacuation orders lifted:

Carbon Canyon
Carbon Beach East
La Costa Beach, La Costa (hillside)
Las Flores Creek
Las Flores Mesa
Eastern Malibu
Big Rock
Las Tunas Beach
Topanga Beach Road
Carbon Beach Terrace
Carbon Beach
Rambla Pacifico
Carbon Beach West/Malibu Beach
Sweetwater Canyon
Sweetwater Mesa
Serra Retreat
Malibu Creek
Cross Creek
Malibu Colony
Civic Center
Malibu Knolls
Malibu Road
Malibu Country Estates
Puerco Canyon

Pacific Coast Highway remains closed to the general public between Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades and Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu.

Altadena Strong Commmunity Event

1:20 p.m.: An Altadena Strong Community Event is planned for Monday evening.

The event will be held at the Altadena Grocery Outlet, which organizers said "has been a vital disaster relief hub, hosting major events and outreach efforts."

The family-friendly event is happening between noon and 6 p.m. at 7770 North Lake Avenue.

Support resources will also be at the event, including FEMA, the Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity.

Residents protest dumping in Calabasas

12:15 p.m.: A large group gathered at the Calabasas Landfill to protest the dumping of toxic waste from the Palisades Fire.

Natasha Downing, with "Protect Calabasas," spoke with FOX 11 about the controversial decision.

"There are thousands of homes nearby, playgrounds, parks, this will hurt so many people," she said.

According to Downing, the Army Corps of Engineering can not guarantee this is a non-toxic act.

Protest planned in Calabasas

9:45 a.m.: A protest is planned at the Calabasas Landfill at 10 a.m. addressing the dumping of toxic ash and debris from the Palisades Fire.

"This decision poses a major health risk to residents, as well as to the surrounding environment, and we need your help to raise awareness before it’s too late," protest organizers said.

"The landfill is in close proximity to homes, schools, and parks, putting thousands of people—including children and seniors—at risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and heavy metals contained in the ash. The long-term effects of this contamination could be devastating, and yet, this plan is moving forward with little transparency or public input."

Bass addresses controversial Ghana trip

9:30 a.m.: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has addressed her trip to Africa during January's deadly Los Angeles wildfires.

"Yeah, absolutely, there is no question about that," Bass told local media when asked directly if the trip was a mistake.

Eaton Fire town hall scheduled

8:20 a.m.: Residents impacted by the Eaton Fire are encouraged to attend a town hall happening Wednesday at 6 p.m. at The Westin in Pasadena.

Officials will discuss investigation updates and provide legal options for homeowners and business owners.

Eaton Fire rebuilding continues as residents protest displacement

A town hall is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Westin in Pasadena.

Disaster recovery center hours

7:45 a.m.: The Disaster Recovery Center in Los Angeles will open three hours late Monday at noon, but the center at Altadena will open at 9 a.m. Both centers will remain open until 7 p.m.

PREDVIOUS COVERAGE: New disaster recovery center opens in Altadena

Los Angeles County opened a new disaster recovery center in Altadena.

Cleanup continues at Duke's Malibu

7 a.m.: Major cleanup work continues at the famed Duke's restaurant in Malibu. The popular seafood restaurant was spared from the fires, but was recently inundated with mud during last week's atmospheric river.