On the Malibu and LA Wildfires
A fire burning in the distance in Malibu, California.
The Los Angeles Wildfires
It’s been a challenging end to 2024 and start to 2025. Rachael (my wife) and I were hesitant about making a video about the LA Wildfires, partly because they were still going on, partially because we kept losing power, and mainly because we knew there were so many emotions flying around, from anger to sadness, grief to gratefulness, confusion to guilt.
I feel many of these simultaneously. When people ask how things are, I say we're lucky: we have our home. But I know others in the community and beyond cannot say the same, and our city has been irrevocably changed once again.
These fires have swallowed homes and businesses. People have died in them. That's the reality.
Still from the Los Angeles Wildfire Video - Locals Perspective
I, for one, was afraid of speaking for people. But I realized I'm not, I'm speaking for myself, and Rachael is speaking for herself. And, to speak, to make a video, write a post, an article, a poem, etc., is a way to share one story amongst many, finding space for yourself and leaving space for others for theirs, too.
There are a lot of armchair experts: Those from other states and countries are suddenly experts on fire management, who know exactly what should be done when numerous wildfires spark in Southern California — some by suspected arsonists — and 100MPH winds bluster over hard-to-reach canyons towards homes, businesses, pets, and people. I'm sure they'd get out there with pails of well-water and throw it on 100-foot flames and save us all. If only they were in charge! Alas.
Resilience in the face of disaster.
One thing I'm proud of is that Rachael came in view of the camera, expressed herself, wept, and kept the footage in. She easily could have edited this stuff out, but didn't. She watched it 20, 30, 40 times as she edited the whole thing. She's emotionally brave, braver than I am. I respect the hell out of her for that.
One thing I've learned — and discussed with Rachael — is how much tougher and resilient living in Malibu has made me. That probably sounds weird: that lovely beach town crawling with movie stars toughens you?! (Yeah — that's a piss-poor caricature of the city.)
When I lived in England, I didn't have to deal with consistent power outages, pack stuff up multiple months to get ready to evacuate, do my required bit to get ready for a wildfire, experience wildfires, and more. I've learned survival techniques out here, and in America in general — from camping in snow and rain, and more, to having all the right equipment to best prepare us for this, alongside with that of my in-laws, who I've learned so many skills off, too.
An Emergency Response like we’ve never seen before…
The Palisades Fire, the Kenneth Fire, the Eaton Fire and more all sprung up in very close succession (and only a few weeks after the Franklin Fire had burned in Eastern Malibu).
During this time we saw one of the biggest turnouts for emergency personnel that we’ve ever seen in Los Angeles. And it goes without saying that these firefighters deserve the biggest shoutout—the Californians, the ones from out of state, the prison laborers, and those sent from Mexico and Canada. Thank you for your treacherous, tireless, and dangerous work to keep us all safe.
Second: To all of you who this fire has significantly impacted, my thoughts are with you, and my inbox is open if you need to talk, or need help with anything. I mean that: please do not be afraid to contact me.
The YouTube video's description box has links to various charities you can donate to and other information.
May we all rebuild.
Best always,
Nathan
