Fire Season: Prevention Tips // Part 1

CJ interviews actor and author Robert Kerbeck about his book “Malibu Burning.” In November 2016, The Woolsey Fire hit Malibu, burning down 96,949 acres, as well as 400 single-family homes. This caused an estimated market value loss of at least $1.6 billion.

In this 2 part interview, Robert shares his community’s experience. This includes the importance of taking preventative measures for any natural disaster.

Robert interviewed many celebrities for his book, including: Bob Dylan, Joan Didion, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Kevin Dillon and Julia Roberts.  However, he also shares the story of the tough homesteaders that stayed on the land to defend it from the fire. Despite many heroic efforts by the fire fighters, not all residents could be helped. This led many residents to call it a YOYO fire (You-Own-Your Own fire).

While many cities and states prepare for these outcomes, Robert advocates that homeowners undertake additional measures to protect their home. In the first part of the interview Robert offers a list of things he did to protect his home. His was one of two houses in his neighborhood that survived. Some efforts that helped Robert’s all wood Victorian survive were:

• Removing brush from his house,
• Not building any wooden structures (fences) near his house, and
• Spraying his house with fire retardant.

Robert offers a full list of preventative measures for inside and outside your house, by signing up to his email mailing list here. The LA Fire Department also provides lists here.

Fire Season: Prevention Tips // Part 1: YouTube Video

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