Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Volunteers Help Homeowner Recover Safe from Fire-Damaged Property

On Monday, February 17, 2025, volunteers from Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) assisted a Pacific Palisades homeowner in sifting through the remnants of her fire-ravaged home. Among the few salvaged belongings, the volunteers helped recover a safe buried in the rubble, a significant find for the homeowner as she begins the difficult process of rebuilding.

The home was one of thousands destroyed in the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025. The wildfire scorched more than 23,000 acres, destroying over 12,000 structures and displacing 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. Fueled by intense Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, the fire claimed at least five lives and injured many others. High winds grounded aerial firefighting support, allowing flames to spread rapidly and overwhelming emergency response efforts.

As one of the largest faith-based disaster response organizations in the nation, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has been actively involved in post-fire recovery efforts. Their teams, known for being among the first to arrive and the last to leave, provide essential aid such as debris removal, food distribution, and emotional support to those affected by disasters. Volunteers, recognizable by their gold hats and shirts, work tirelessly to assist families in recovering valuables, important documents, and sentimental items from the wreckage.

Operating under the California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC) and a nationwide network of Southern Baptist churches, SBDR has mobilized thousands of volunteers across California, the U.S., and internationally. Their mission extends beyond disaster relief, offering survivors hope and healing while helping communities take steps toward rebuilding.

With over 2,000 Southern Baptist churches in California, SBDR’s work reflects the state’s diversity, providing assistance in 60 languages and dialects. While rooted in faith, their compassion-driven efforts are available to all individuals in need, regardless of background. As the recovery process continues, SBDR remains committed to helping fire survivors rebuild their lives, one step at a time.