Trekkers and outdoor aficionados have always been captivated by Skull Rock, situated to the north of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades.
A relatively brief trek on the Temescal Ridge Trail leads you to the skull-shaped Skull Rock and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
This region is presently under examination as a possible origin for the Palisades Fire, which wreaked havoc on thousands of structures just last week.
The specific location of the fire remains unknown, and its cause is being probed.
This site experienced a minor blaze on New Year’s Eve that smoldered for several hours until fire authorities extinguished it with the assistance of water-dropping helicopters.
Investigators acquainted with the case informed the Times that officials are cognizant of the earlier fire and its proximity to the Palisades fire. They are checking if it might be the cause behind it. Officials indicated that a new fire might have ignited on January 7, as the area receives regular foot traffic from visitors.
Authorities suggest that the fire is likely linked to fireworks.
Authorities related to the Palisades fire, who opted to remain anonymous due to a lack of authorization to speak publicly, mentioned that the inferno appears to be human-induced, but inquiries are still in progress.
A relatively brief trek on the Temescal Ridge Trail unveils the skeleton-shaped Skull Rock.
(Matt Pawlik)
Darin Hurwitz traveled to the region for a hike after dropping off his children at school around 8:15 a.m. on the day the Palisades Fire ignited.
He completed a five-mile loop to the summit of Skull Rock to investigate the burn marks from the New Year’s Eve blaze.
“At that moment, I caught a whiff of smoke. It didn’t feel right. I assumed it was coming from elsewhere, or possibly debris from the fire itself,” he recounted to the Times.
Recently, while hiking in Malibu, the location of the Franklin Fire several weeks prior, he detected a “subtle scent of ash.” However, that day, the odor was much stronger near Skull Rock, leading him to wonder if the wind had blown the ash upwards.
Later, I found out that one of my neighbors also noted the smoke.
“The timing was roughly an hour before the fire,” he explained. “Now, I’m unsure what that implies. Is it feasible that some embers remained smoldering and were disturbed by the wind?”
The fire was initially reported about an hour later at an address on Piedra Morada Drive, where Nick Libonati’s family resides. In a conversation with the Times last week, Libonati confessed that he was the first to dial 911 and went to inform neighbors about the fire.
When Libonati and his sister first observed the flames, they were approximately two miles from their residence, he stated. However, when he attempted to spray down the vegetation and the wind blew water back at him, he became aware that they were facing a dire situation. Libonati observed the flames advancing in their direction.
Specialized teams from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives began examining the site on Monday.
Los Angeles Police Department Lieutenant Chief Dominic Choi stated that the cause of the Palisades fire has not yet been dismissed. “Currently, we have not reached a definitive conclusion of arson, but we are exploring all possibilities.”
Law enforcement officials noted that there was a burned utility pole nearby, although it was uncertain if that was the origin of the fire.
If it turns out that the Palisades fire was triggered by a re-ignition of a prior fire, it would fit a recurring pattern.
The 1991 Oakland Hills fire, which obliterated over 2,500 structures, erupted after firefighters believed it was under control. Initially spanning 6 acres, it was declared contained but ultimately flared back up. Firefighters left equipment at the location but did not maintain continuous surveillance. As the wind intensified, the flames swiftly engulfed homes.
The damage from the Palisades Fire affected trails and rock formations.
The Times recognized Skull Rock as one of Southern California’s premier hikes, describing it as: On a sunny day, Skull Rock and its rocky companions serve as halfway points on a geological adventure and an ideal spot to scramble up the rocks to your picnic perch.
Hurwitz frequented the trails near his home at least three times a week.
“That trail is remarkable,” Hurwitz stated. “It encompasses a bit of everything. The views are fantastic. It is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after trails in Los Angeles, and individuals travel from all over the city to hike there.”