The iconic Palisades Charter High School — which saw numerous A-list celebrities through their awkward teenage years, and became the backdrop of several beloved television shows and films, including the 1976Carrieand the classic 2000s hitFreaky Friday— has received significant damage from the Palisades wildfires. Although the school thankfully remains standing, several portions were destroyed by the blazes that began less than a week ago, and have been sweeping through southern California ever since.
According to a statement posted to Facebookby Palisades Charter High School’s administration, about 40% of the campus was destroyed or considerably damaged, although the specific structures lost to the wildfire have not yet been named. Fortunately, the school also reported that several places remained untouched or at least were not visibly harmed, including the majority of classrooms, the gyms and aquatic center, and the quad. Despite this good news, however, Palisades Charter High School passionately urged members of the community to stay away from the grounds.“Now is not the time for visitors to be on campus,” the Facebook post stated. “The presence of these toxins, especially in the burn zone, could pose significant health risks.”
At the moment, only members of the LAPD and other authorized individuals are allowed on Palisades Charter High School property, as damage from the fire as well as toxic chemicals such as black carbon and asbestos would pose severe threats to the health and safety of any potential visitors. As a result of these risks, the beginning of the second semester — which was originally slated for this week — has been delayed until January 21st, although this date may be pushed back even further if the safety hazards cannot be adequately cleared. In the meantime, all students are following a temporary online learning plan.
Palisades Charter High School Represents Decades of Hollywood History
Palisades Charter High Schoolhas long been an important pillar of Hollywood history. The campus was featured in the 1976 film adaptation of Stephen King’sCarrie, and reappeared again in the 2003 body-swap rom-comFreaky Friday, starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. The 2010s supernatural television seriesTeen Wolfalso used parts of Palisades Charter High Schoolto represent the fictional Beacon Hills High attended by the show’s main characters, and numerous real-life celebrities have passed through the school’s famed halls, including acclaimed actors like Forest Whitaker, Katey Sagal, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and director J.J. Abrams.
Jamie Lee Curtis Gets Emotional Recounting Wildfires, Pledges $1 Million to Relief Efforts
Jamie Lee Curtis is one of several celebrities whose homes were located where most of the disastrous wildfires are centralized.
Unfortunately, the Palisades Charter High Schoolis far from the only loss caused by the Palisades fire. As of the most recent update, the blaze has covered over 23,000 acres, yet only stands at 11% contained. 4,700 personnel have been dispatched to fight the flames,including firefighters crossing the border from Canada and Mexico, but some reports have estimated that over 70% of the Palisades is either damaged or destroyed, with continued high winds and dry conditions only continuing to exacerbate this terrible natural disaster.
If you’re looking for ways to help those affected by the wildfires, you’re able to visit theCalifornia Fire Foundation,California Fire Relief, theDream Center, andFriends in Deed.
