Shohei Ohtani Steers Fire Truck During Dodgers' Visit to Pacific Palisades Firefighters!

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, alongside teammates Emmet Sheehan and Ben Casparius, paid a visit to Los Angeles Fire Station 69 on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as part of the Dodgers Love LA Community Tour presented by Bank of America. The visit came in the wake of the devastating Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7 and scorched over 23,000 acres across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and sections of the San Fernando Valley. The wildfire, fueled by relentless Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, resulted in 12,000 structures destroyed, the displacement of 150,000 residents, and at least five fatalities. Though recent rainfall has helped extinguish the flames, it has also increased the risk of mudslides in the burned areas. With evacuation orders lifted on January 27, recovery efforts, including debris removal and utility restoration, are now underway. During their visit, the Dodgers players toured the fire station, met with firefighters and paramedics, and expressed their gratitude for their heroic efforts. Ohtani climbed into the tiller bucket of a fire truck, helping steer the massive rig through the Palisades, while his teammates rode along and jumped on fire engines for a closer look at the department’s operations. As part of their community outreach, the Dodgers also donated $350,000 and an additional $10,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, providing critical support for firefighting resources, equipment, and training. The Dodgers Love LA Tour continues with stops across the city, honoring first responders and giving back to the community through various charitable initiatives.

California Conservation Corps Works to Protect Ocean from Contamination in Malibu Fire Recovery

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, crews from the California Conservation Corps (CCC) were seen installing silt socks, straw wattles, and silt fencing around fire-damaged properties and vehicles at Malibu Beach. The effort is part of the CCC’s ongoing mission to protect local watersheds following the Pacific Palisades Fire.

The Palisades Fire, which broke out on January 7, 2025, in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades, quickly escalated into a catastrophic event due to fierce Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions. The wildfire burned more than 23,000 acres, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and forced the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents from Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and parts of the San Fernando Valley. At least five lives were lost, and many others were injured. Powerful winds hampered firefighting efforts, grounding aerial support and allowing the flames to spread rapidly. While recent rainfall helped extinguish the fire, it also created new hazards, including the threat of mudslides and debris flows in the already devastated region. By January 27, 2025, evacuation orders were lifted, allowing recovery efforts such as debris removal and utility restoration to begin.

According to California Conservation Corps (CCC) Public Information Officer Chris Van Horne, the CCC has deployed 26 teams from across the state in collaboration with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Crews from the Tahoe and Solano centers are working to mitigate environmental damage caused by the fire. These measures aim to prevent hazardous contaminants from burned materials from entering watersheds and the ocean, a task especially critical in Malibu due to the proximity of fire-damaged properties to the coastline. With rain and runoff posing a significant threat to the area’s waterways, the CCC’s efforts are vital for safeguarding environmental and public health.

The CCC, an emergency response agency with nearly 50 years of experience, engages young adults aged 18 to 25 in paid service to the state. These crews, who typically focus on forestry and trail work, have been mobilized to assist in recovery efforts across Los Angeles County. Their efforts in Malibu are part of Cal OES’s Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force and represent an important first step in the region’s recovery.

For more information about the California Conservation Corps and its initiatives, visit ccc.ca.gov.

Angel of Hope: Artist Honors Palisades Fire Heroes with Stunning Mural on Santa Monica Beach

On a rainy Sunday, January 26, 2025, artist Kuba Skrzypek (@skrzypekstudio) a wall at Perry's Beach Café into a powerful tribute to the resilience and heroism of Los Angeles firefighters. The mural, featuring a firefighter rescuing a woman with angelic wings, symbolizes the city's enduring spirit in the wake of the devastating Palisades Fire. Skrzypek, a visiting artist from Poland, took to the brush during his short vacation in Los Angeles. The wings on the woman are a nod to the City of Angels, while the mural serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery displayed during the fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025. Later that evening, Skrzypek was set to head to the airport to return to Poland. The Palisades Fire left an indelible mark on the community, scorching over 23,000 acres, destroying more than 12,000 structures, and displacing over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. As recovery efforts continue, this mural captures the hope and strength of a city still healing. Skrzypek’s artwork not only immortalizes the heroism of first responders but also provides a focal point for reflection and unity amid the ongoing rebuilding efforts.

Miniature Horse Plays Keyboard to Bring Smiles to Evacuated Residents of Palisades Fire

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, residents waiting in line to be escorted back to their homes by LAPD as part of the Palisades Fire repopulation efforts received an unexpected dose of joy. Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, founder of Mini Therapy Horses, visited the site with her eight-year-old miniature therapy horse, Blue Moon, to bring smiles to those impacted by the devastating fire.

Blue Moon, a highly trained miniature horse, entertained residents by playing the keyboard, offering a brief moment of lightheartedness in the midst of recovery. “It’s hard not to smile when you see a horse playing a keyboard, no matter what’s happened,” said Nodiff-Netanel.

Mini Therapy Horses, a non-profit organization founded in 2008, is a recognized leader in equine-assisted activities (EAA) and equine-assisted therapy (EAT) with miniature horses. Their dedicated teams regularly visit hospitals, veterans' facilities, family shelters, and other organizations to provide comfort and support to individuals in need. Some of their frequent stops include Shriners for Children Medical Center, Ronald McDonald Houses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, and UCLA Medical Centers in Santa Monica and Westwood.

In addition to regular visits, Mini Therapy Horses is part of the Los Angeles Mayor’s Crisis Response Team (CRT). The organization’s highly trained teams respond to traumatic incidents, offering resources and support to survivors. They have assisted in major crises, including the San Bernardino, Las Vegas, and Thousand Oaks mass shootings, as well as the Woolsey Fire.

Mini Therapy Horses’ work has gained widespread recognition, with appearances in the Rose Parade® and features in People Magazine, National Geographic, and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Their mission is to bring calm, comfort, and happiness to those experiencing trauma, a purpose they fulfill with professionalism and compassion.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. Recovery efforts remain ongoing, with agencies and organizations like Mini Therapy Horses providing essential support to those affected.

As residents continue to navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives, the presence of Blue Moon and the Mini Therapy Horses team offers a heartwarming reminder of resilience, kindness, and the healing power of a small act of care.

California Highway Patrol Officers (CHP) Escort Residents Back to Pacific Palisades After Fire Evacuations

On Monday, January 20, 2025, California Highway Patrol officers escorted convoys of residents along the Pacific Coast Highway to the Pacific Palisades Highlands as part of the repopulation process. Residents were first directed to Parking Lot 3 North at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, where Los Angeles Police officers verified their identification to confirm residency before allowing access to their homes in the Palisades.

Repopulation efforts follow the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) announcement on Sunday, January 19, reducing evacuation orders to resident-only access for Zones LOS-0767-J and LOS-0767-G. Residents in Zone LOS-0767-J are required to participate in escorted convoys, conducted daily between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., to safely navigate back to their properties.

Evacuation zones LOS-0767-J include areas north of Santa Ynez Road, south of Temescal Fire Road, east of E Topanga Fire Road and Colina Drive, and west of Temescal Fire Road. Zone LOS-0767-G covers areas north of Observation Drive, south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, east of Montau Drive, and west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Residents must present proof of residency, such as a photo ID with their name and physical address, to gain access. Officials urge residents to have documents ready to ensure smooth verification and efficient repopulation.

Meanwhile, evacuation warnings for additional zones, including LOS-0767-C, LOS-0767-B, LOS-Q0762-A, and LOS-Q0762-C, have been lifted, allowing those residents to return without restrictions.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, scorched over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents in Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. Recovery efforts remain ongoing, with search and rescue teams, utility workers, and local agencies working to restore essential services and clear debris to pave the way for rebuilding.

As residents begin returning, officials remind the public to exercise caution and adhere to all safety guidelines as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue. For more information and updates on evacuation zones, visit the Los Angeles Fire Department’s website.

Hazmat Teams Tackle Burnt Properties Along PCH in Malibu After Palisades Fire

On Monday, January 20, 2025, Hazmat technicians from GrayMar Environmental Services, Inc. were spotted in Malibu working on the fire-ravaged properties along the Pacific Coast Highway near Topanga Canyon Road. These properties, including the Malibu Feed Bin, Rosenthal Malibu Winery, and Topanga Ranch Motel, were among the many businesses completely destroyed by the devastating Palisades Fire.

GrayMar's crew was seen carefully collecting hazardous materials such as propane tanks and outdoor heaters, along with other debris, as part of the cleanup process. Their work ensures that hazardous items are safely removed, a critical step in preparing the area for rebuilding.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, burned through over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents in Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. The scale of the devastation has made environmental cleanup and recovery efforts, like those led by GrayMar, essential to restoring the community.

GrayMar Environmental Services is a leading provider of safe, cost-effective solutions for complex environmental challenges. With over five decades of combined experience, their highly trained personnel specialize in tackling high-profile environmental projects with professionalism and innovation. Their work in Malibu is part of their mission to deliver practical solutions while ensuring the safety and sustainability of impacted areas.

California Highway Patrol Officers Tow Burnt Vehicles Along PCH in Malibu After Devastating Blaze

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers worked along the Pacific Coast Highway to remove vehicles destroyed in the Palisades Fire. The vehicles, burnt beyond recognition, required meticulous efforts to identify their owners before being towed. Officers carefully located and verified the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to match them with registered owners. These vehicles were among the countless losses caused by the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025. The fire ravaged over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents in Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. The removal of burnt vehicles is a critical step in the ongoing recovery process, ensuring that Pacific Coast Highway is cleared for safe travel and infrastructure restoration. This effort complements broader search and recovery operations, including debris clearance, identifying remains, and preparing the region for rebuilding. As work progresses, residents and motorists are urged to remain patient and vigilant as recovery teams, including CHP and other agencies, continue their efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Cadaver Dogs Deployed as Search Teams Examine Fire-Ravaged Homes on Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, a multi-agency task force comprising 30 highly traine d members   from Regional Task Force 12 (RTF-12) and their K9 units, including several cadaver dogs, were deployed to Malibu. Their mission: to assist in the aftermath of the devastating fires, focusing on a stretch of homes along the Pacific Coast Highway that were completely destroyed.

RTF-12, an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team based in Santa Barbara County, specializes in responding to large-scale disasters such as earthquakes, structural collapses, and other incidents requiring heavy rescue equipment. For this deployment, the team included personnel from Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara City, Santa Maria, and Vandenberg Fire Departments, with additional support from the Alhambra City Fire Department.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, scorched over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents in Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. As recovery efforts continue, the work of search and rescue teams is vital for identifying remains, clearing debris, and laying the groundwork for rebuilding.

RTF-12’s deployment showcases the critical role of urban search and rescue teams in post-disaster scenarios. By combining the expertise of firefighters, medical professionals, engineers, and K9 search units, the task force demonstrates the power of coordinated emergency response.

Residents affected by the fire are encouraged to remain patient and stay informed as local, regional, and state teams work tirelessly to restore safety and assist in recovery efforts.