Crews Work in Rain to Mitigate Flooding and Mudslide Risks in Pacific Palisades After Fire

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, crews from the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Sequoia Community Corps (SCC) worked in the rain installing sandbags, silt socks, and straw wattles as part of ongoing efforts to protect local watersheds following the Palisades Fire. Their work is essential in preventing hazardous contaminants from burned materials from entering the ocean and local water systems, especially with the increased risk of runoff due to rain. The CCC has deployed 26 teams across the state in collaboration with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Their focus remains on mitigating environmental damage and preventing erosion. Given the proximity of fire-damaged properties to the coastline, their work is vital in safeguarding both environmental and public health. The Sequoia Community Corps (SCC) continues to play a key role in the recovery, offering vocational training in trades such as weatherization, urban forestry, conservation education, and recycling. For more than 34 years, SCC has provided over 4,000 young adults with job training and educational opportunities while supporting communities through disaster response efforts. The recent rainfall has heightened concerns over potential flooding and mudslides from the fire-scorched hillsides. With rain expected to continue, emergency crews are closely monitoring conditions to prevent further damage. The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, spread rapidly due to Santa Ana winds and drought conditions. The wildfire scorched more than 23,000 acres, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and displaced 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. The fire claimed at least five lives and left widespread devastation. High winds hindered containment efforts, allowing the flames to spread unchecked. While recent rainfall has helped extinguish lingering fire remnants, it has also raised new concerns about mudslides and debris flow. With evacuation orders lifted on January 27, recovery efforts are now focused on debris removal, utility restoration, and hazardous material disposal. Relief organizations, faith-based groups, and government agencies continue to play a crucial role in rebuilding and ensuring the safety of affected communities.

𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘:: Family Searches for Memories in Fire-Ravaged Palisades Home

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, a family dressed in white hazmat suits carefully sifted through the remains of their home on Via de la Paz in Pacific Palisades, searching for any personal belongings that may have survived the devastation. The fire had completely consumed their property, leaving behind only ashes and debris. The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, quickly escalated into a disaster driven by powerful Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions. The wildfire burned through more than 23,000 acres, reducing over 12,000 structures to ash and forcing the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and parts of the San Fernando Valley. At least five lives were lost, and many others suffered injuries. Efforts to contain the inferno were severely hindered by relentless winds, which grounded aerial firefighting operations and further fueled the flames. Though recent rainfall helped extinguish the fire, it also introduced new dangers, including mudslides and debris flow in the already devastated landscape. By January 27, authorities lifted evacuation orders, marking a significant step forward in the community’s recovery. As rebuilding efforts gain momentum, scenes like this one on Via de la Paz serve as a sobering reminder of the fire's widespread destruction. Utility crews and disaster recovery teams continue working tirelessly to restore essential services and clear debris, while families like this one take the first difficult steps toward rebuilding their homes and lives.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Provides Spiritual Support in Pacific Palisades After Devastating Fire

Pacific Palisades, February 1, 2025: The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has arrived in Pacific Palisades to offer prayers and emotional support to the community in the aftermath of the deadly Palisades Fire. Crisis-trained chaplains are on-site, providing spiritual care to residents coping with the destruction left by the wildfire.

Chaplain Randy Cole, a team leader coordinator with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, emphasized the role of the chaplains as a "ministry of presence," offering emotional and spiritual care in the wake of disaster. The team has been on the ground since the second day of the fires and plans to maintain a continued presence in the area. Chaplain Cole also highlighted their partnership with Samaritan's Purse, one of only two organizations authorized to assist in recovery efforts. Samaritan's Purse is providing free assistance to homeowners, helping them recover personal items regardless of insurance status or financial means.

During their time in Pacific Palisades, Chaplain Cole prayed for Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz, asking for protection, wisdom, and discernment in his work documenting the disaster. He also lifted up firefighters at Station 69 and all emergency personnel involved in the recovery process, praying for their safety and the difficult decisions they must make.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team specializes in deploying chaplains to areas affected by both man-made and natural disasters. Originally formed after the 9/11 attacks, the team has since responded to crises across the country, offering comfort and prayer to victims, first responders, and local faith leaders. As forecasts predict increased winds in California, chaplains remain in the Los Angeles area, continuing their outreach to those struggling with loss and uncertainty.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades, quickly escalated into a catastrophic event fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and extended drought conditions. The wildfire consumed more than 23,000 acres, reduced over 12,000 structures to ash, and forced the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents from Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and sections of the San Fernando Valley. The fire claimed at least five lives and left many others injured. Firefighting efforts were hindered by powerful winds that grounded aerial support, allowing the flames to spread rapidly.

Although recent rainfall has helped contain the fire, it has also introduced new hazards, including mudslides and debris flow in the burned areas. By January 27, evacuation orders were lifted, marking a significant shift toward recovery. Efforts are now focused on debris removal, utility restoration, and providing emotional and spiritual support for those affected. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team remains committed to offering compassion and guidance as the community begins the long process of healing and rebuilding.

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘: A Family's Search for Memories After the Palisades Fire

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, a family clad in white hazmat suits carefully searched through the remains of their home on Galloway Street in Pacific Palisades, hoping to salvage personal items from the rubble. The family, who had lived in the house for over 20 years, returned to the site for the first time since the devastating Palisades Fire destroyed their property, leaving only ashes and debris in its wake. The family intends to rebuild their home.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, quickly escalated into a catastrophic event fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and extended drought conditions. The wildfire ravaged more than 23,000 acres, reduced over 12,000 structures to ash, and forced the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and sections of the San Fernando Valley. The fire claimed at least five lives and left many others injured.

Efforts to contain the blaze faced significant challenges due to strong winds that grounded aerial firefighting support and further spread the flames. While recent rainfall helped extinguish the fire, it also introduced new risks, including mudslides and debris flow in the already devastated areas. By January 27, evacuation orders were lifted, marking a crucial turning point in the recovery process.

As rebuilding efforts begin, scenes like this one on Galloway Street are a stark reminder of the fire's profound impact on the community. Utility crews and disaster recovery teams continue working tirelessly to restore essential services and clear debris, while residents like this family begin the painstaking process of piecing their lives back together.

Santa Monica Beaches Open for Non-Water Activities Amid Ocean Water Advisory

Santa Monica's iconic three miles of sandy beaches remain open for recreational and non-ocean activities, despite the recent Ocean Water Quality Advisory issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH). Visitors and residents are encouraged to enjoy biking, beach sports, and other activities on the sand, while staying informed about water quality updates.

The advisory, in effect as of this week, warns beachgoers to avoid ocean water at Surfrider Beach, Las Flores State Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, and Dockweiler State Beach due to fire debris runoff from recent wildfires. LACDPH also advises avoiding any fire debris on the beach and recommends checking the interactive map at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/beach for the latest water quality updates.

“On top of the traumatic loss our neighbors have faced, the environmental impacts of the Palisades Fire are heartbreaking. We’re grateful that Santa Monica was largely spared from damage,” said Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete. “As always, Santa Monica remains a fun and beautiful place to visit and enjoy an escape, with great shopping and dining, gorgeous natural scenery and beaches, and mostly sunny skies. We want to thank all those who continue to come out to patronize local businesses that really need help in these trying times. Your support means everything.”

Local businesses, which have faced challenges due to the fires in the region, welcome the clarification from public health officials. The vibrant Santa Monica visitor economy continues to provide unique experiences for travelers and locals alike.

“Santa Monica, including our beautiful beaches and diverse attractions, remains open and fully ready to welcome visitors. Our city continues to offer a vibrant and unforgettable experience for all who come to enjoy its unique charm,” said Santa Monica Travel & Tourism President/CEO Misti Kerns. “With Dine LA running through Feb. 7 and a lineup of special events for Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month, there’s a lot to explore in our eight neighborhoods. We look forward to hosting travelers and ensuring they have an exceptional visit in Santa Monica.”

For residents concerned about health impacts from fire cleanup, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is hosting a virtual town hall meeting on Friday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. Details for the event are available online.

For more information about Santa Monica, visit santamonica.gov.

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.