Janice R. Andrews
The popular Skull Rock hiking trail in Pacific Palisades, renowned for its stunning views and unique geological features, has become the focal point of an investigation into the origins of the destructive Palisades fire. The blaze, which erupted last week, caused significant destruction, leaving investigators to examine whether this beloved trail played a role in its ignition.
A Scenic Trail Under Scrutiny
Located just north of Sunset Boulevard, the Temescal Ridge trail draws hikers seeking panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Skull Rock formation. Unfortunately, this treasured location is now linked to a tragic event as authorities probe whether it served as the fire’s ignition point.
Investigators are also revisiting a smaller fire that burned in the area on New Year’s Eve. Officials quickly extinguished the earlier blaze with a water-dropping helicopter, attributing it to fireworks. Whether embers from that incident contributed to the Palisades fire remains uncertain.
Witness Accounts Offer Clues
On January 7, the morning the Palisades fire ignited, local hiker Darrin Hurwitz embarked on a five-mile loop near Skull Rock. While passing the burn scar from the New Year’s Eve fire, he noticed a distinct smoky odor stronger than ash smells he had encountered on hikes near recent fire sites in Malibu.
“The timing was about an hour before the fire,” Hurwitz said. “Could there have been embers still smoldering, and the wind stirred them up?”
His observations were echoed by other locals who reported smelling smoke in the area around the same time.
The Sequence of Events
The fire was first reported from Piedra Morada Drive, where resident Libonati called 911 after spotting flames two miles from his home. Realizing the fire was moving quickly in their direction due to strong winds, Libonati and his family acted swiftly to alert neighbors and evacuate.
Despite attempts to slow the flames using garden hoses, the fire advanced rapidly, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Investigators Suspect Human Activity
While the investigation is ongoing, early evidence suggests the fire may have been human-caused. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is collaborating with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to explore all possibilities.
“No cause has been definitively ruled out,” said LAPD Asst. Chief Dominic Choi. “We’re looking at every angle, but arson has not been confirmed at this stage.”
Charred power poles near the trail have drawn attention, but their connection to the fire’s origin remains unconfirmed.
Risks of Rekindled Fires
If the Palisades fire is linked to embers from the New Year’s Eve blaze, it would resemble the catastrophic 1991 Oakland Hills fire. That disaster, which destroyed over 2,500 structures, reignited after firefighters believed they had contained it. High winds fanned the embers, leading to widespread devastation.
Such cases highlight the critical need for thorough monitoring of fire sites, even after they appear under control.
Damage to a Natural Treasure
The Palisades fire has left a lasting impact on the Temescal Ridge trail, including the beloved Skull Rock. Once celebrated as a top hiking destination in Southern California, the area now bears the scars of the fire.
Hikers had long enjoyed the trail’s shaded switchbacks, coastal chaparral-covered hills, and expansive views stretching from Santa Monica to the Channel Islands. Skull Rock, known for its unique formations, served as a popular spot for picnics and exploration. Now, its future as a natural landmark is uncertain.
Seeking Answers and Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the fire’s aftermath and searching for answers. If human activity is confirmed as the cause, it will serve as a stark reminder of the responsibility required to protect natural spaces.
The Palisades fire not only destroyed homes and landscapes but also marred a cherished hiking trail. For now, Skull Rock stands as a poignant symbol of nature’s fragility and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations.
