PACIFIC PALISADES – April 2, 2025 — Beneath clear blue skies and a gentle ocean breeze, approximately three dozen National Guard soldiers participated in a morale-boosting 5K run along Will Rogers State Beach on Wednesday morning. The event marked a moment of physical camaraderie and recovery for troops deployed in the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire.
The soldiers, now stationed at security checkpoints into Pacific Palisades, have been assisting local authorities in maintaining access control and providing logistical support since their deployment earlier this year. Their presence follows one of the most destructive wildfires in recent Southern California history.
The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, rapidly tore through the region, fueled by extreme drought and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds peaking at 100 miles per hour. Over the course of several harrowing weeks, the blaze consumed roughly 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures—including homes, businesses, and places of worship—and prompted mass evacuations affecting more than 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and nearby communities.
Twelve people lost their lives in the fire, with dozens more injured. High winds initially grounded firefighting aircraft, complicating early containment efforts. Full containment was finally achieved on January 31, 2025, following a massive coordinated response from state and local agencies.
Wednesday’s 5K served not only as a morale event for the soldiers but also as a visible symbol of resilience and ongoing recovery in a region still healing from disaster.
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