Community Resilience Amid Malibu Fire Threats

Early Thursday, students at Malibu High School speculated about a possible school closure. They pondered whether the recent Santa Ana winds signaled danger. Concerns about power cuts or fires loomed large. The winds strengthened throughout the day, and by afternoon, gusts battered Malibu homes. Southern California Edison disconnected power, darkening the town.

At around 5 p.m., notifications alerted residents to a fire beyond the mountains. The winds pushed the fire toward the coast. Volunteers from the Local Brigade gathered at Trancas Country Market, preparing to receive orders from the L.A. County Fire Department. A thick column of smoke, tinted red by the setting sun, rose over the hills.

For many residents who have endured past fires, a sense of foreboding returned. In the aftermath, the Bryson fire didn’t reach the catastrophic scale of the Woolsey or Palisades fires. Yet, it revived deep-seated trauma. Long-time residents have adopted various methods to manage stress, such as meditation, ocean dips, and support groups. Despite resilience, each incident leaves its mark.

“It took me six years to rebuild,”

Kim Devane shared while walking her dog near the market. Having lost her home in the 2018 Woolsey fire and more properties in the 2025 Palisades fire, she expressed dread at the thought of rebuilding again.

At the same time, the fire reinforced a unique community spirit. Residents exchanged stories, contacted loved ones, and thanked firefighters. Some relied on camper vans and trailers for shelter. Others used generators to tackle the power outage. Sleep was scarce, but unity prevailed.

Forrest Stewart, a long-time Malibu resident, exemplifies this communal aid. Guided by a retired fire chief neighbor, he educated newer residents about fire safety. Stewart also utilizes observation meditation to manage his emotions, sharing these insights with his community.

Sitting with him was Karly Sierka, who recalled losing her childhood home in the Woolsey fire. Emotions ran high as memories surfaced of past losses.

Nearby, Keiren Clasby from Malibu Fig Ranch discussed trauma’s lasting impact. Her ranch hosts potlucks for those who lost homes in fires, promoting emotional healing through shared experiences.

Clasby recounted the pain of loss, exemplifying the emotional toll that fires exert on homeowners. She described a former accountant whose life unraveled after losing her home and business in the Woolsey fire.

Many residents emphasize proactive measures to protect homes. Practices include covering vents with mesh, clearing flammable debris, and ensuring proper home ventilation. However, they admit these steps provide no absolute guarantees.

Stewart’s home survived thanks to community efforts. Despite official warnings, residents sometimes risk staying to protect their properties. The Local Brigade, now a formalized group, offers residents a sense of control and purpose. Volunteers, equipped with training, support the community during fire threats while respecting official guidance.

For Keegan Gibbs, co-founder of the Local Brigade, involvement brings peace amid uncertainty. Through collective action, residents gain a stake in their destiny, fostering resilience in the face of recurring fires.