Winter Storm Causes Closing of Pacific Coast Highway, Sweeps Fire Inspector Into Ocean

Los Angeles Fire Department inspector suffered minor injuries after being swept off the roadway near Malibu during the storm.
Winter Storm Causes Closing of Pacific Coast Highway, Sweeps Fire Inspector Into Ocean
An emergency vehicle is hit by surf after being pushed into the ocean during a storm in the Palisades Fire zone Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. Ethan Swope/AP Photo
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Gushing rain from the strongest storm to hit Southern California this winter caused a handful of injuries and swept one firefighter off the road into ocean swells on Feb. 13.

Videos shared on social media show the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) fire inspector’s vehicle dragged into the ocean as debris and mud poured over the roadway along Big Rock Road near Malibu. The SUV tumbled onto the driver’s side before righting itself.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.