Story perspectives

Chaos and Trauma: Palisades Fire Evacuation Haunts Residents

1/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The chaotic evacuation of the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025 left residents fearful.
Megan Garman (resident) described the scene as a 'zombie apocalypse' and evacuated on foot with her daughter, losing her home and business.
One year later, the trauma remains, and Garman struggles to rebuild her life while missing her community.
Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park criticized the evacuation's traffic control as ineffective and urged better protocols.

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Story summary

The chaotic evacuation of the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025 left residents fearful.
Megan Garman (resident) described the scene as a 'zombie apocalypse' and evacuated on foot with her daughter, losing her home and business.
One year later, the trauma remains, and Garman struggles to rebuild her life while missing her community.
Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park criticized the evacuation's traffic control as ineffective and urged better protocols.