𝗗𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Recovery Efforts Continue in Palisades as Crews Restore Infrastructure & Safety

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup documented the ongoing recovery efforts in Pacific Palisades following the devastating Palisades Fire. The area remains closed to the public, with only residents and contractors permitted entry as work continues to rebuild and restore essential services.
Crews from Tree Service Kings, Inc. were actively removing palm trees along Swarthmore Avenue to clear space for new Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) power poles. LADWP teams also removed transformers from burned homes and replaced damaged power lines to restore electricity in the affected areas.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Deployable Tactical Operations System (DTOS) was stationed in the Palisades, engaging with residents to answer questions and provide support as the recovery process moves forward.
Security remains a top priority, with National Guard Military Police manning checkpoints to verify resident and contractor passes. Meanwhile, California Highway Patrol officers patrolled the area to prevent trespassing and protect homes and businesses.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continued hazardous material removal, with the Lithium Battery Response Task Force extracting damaged electric vehicle batteries and the Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) Task Force handling the disposal of toxic waste, including chemicals, batteries, and propane tanks. Once cleared, sites are officially marked as completed, allowing residents to begin rebuilding.
To prevent hazardous runoff, California Conservation Corps (CCC) crews installed erosion control barriers, including straw wattles and silt socks, in high-risk areas.
Several relief organizations remained on the ground assisting recovery efforts. The Good Samaritan organization distributed emergency protective gear, while World Central Kitchen (WCK) continued to provide free meals to construction workers, first responders, and volunteers. Faith-based organizations played a key role in offering emotional and spiritual support-the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) provided counseling, while the Church of Scientology’s Volunteer Ministers assisted homeowners in recovering personal belongings from fire debris.
SoCalGas contractors continued working to cap gas lines in fire-damaged areas, disconnecting service to destroyed homes to ensure that when full gas service is restored, it does not reach uninhabitable properties and create additional hazards.
The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, spread rapidly due to Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions. The wildfire consumed over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced approximately 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. At least five lives were lost, and many others were injured.
Dressed in white hazmat suits, respirators, gloves, and hard hats, EPA teams meticulously worked at fire-damaged sites, carefully collecting and removing hazardous materials. Their efforts, alongside those of multiple agencies and relief organizations, continue to play a vital role in ensuring a safe and effective rebuilding process for the affected communities.