Scores of Los Angeles residents returned Tuesday to wildfire-ravaged Pacific Palisades after officials began letting people drive back into the scorched community, the first opportunity most have had to carefully scour the sites of their former homes.

Almost three weeks after fleeing their homes during the Palisades Fire, all affected residents are allowed to briefly return to the burn areas to survey the damage. Los Angeles Mayor Karen bass tried to reassure residents the city was moving as quickly as possible.