When the Palisades fire erupted on Tuesday late morning, St. Matthew’s was forced to quickly evacuate as the fire rapidly approached. Alley Michaelson (Head of School) and her team did an extraordinary job safely evacuating all students and staff. St. Matthew’s avoided significant damage during the initial firestorm, but both rectories (clergy housing) were destroyed.
Unfortunately, on Wednesday afternoon, as numerous spot fires flared up in Pacific Palisades, we received reports of fire activity on the St. Matthew’s campus. Buildings housing the library, early childhood center, elementary school, and middle school were reported to have active fires. We fear that much of the St. Matthew’s campus may have sustained significant, if not catastrophic, damage.
Due to current conditions in the area, school leaders have not yet been able to assess the full extent of the damage. As of the latest report, both the church and Founder’s Hall remain safe. Also, many members of the St. community lost their homes in the Palisades fire.
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