PACIFIC PALISADES — 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 these campuses, Los Angeles officials announced on Friday, April 4.

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.