Bruce and Mindy Silverstein were evacuated from their Malibu home as wind-driven Franklin Fire moved into their neighborhood, and watched in horror from a nearby hotel as the fire threatened to destroy their home in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Ta.
The couple moved to California from the East Coast 13 years ago to be closer to their children, and have grown to love their slice of paradise. They know the dangers of wildfires and didn’t flinch after the devastating Woolsey Fire ripped through their community in 2018, burning nearly 97,000 acres and destroying more than 1,600 buildings across the region.
Instead, attorney Bruce was motivated to become involved in local government affairs to advocate for more local resources after the fire. He was elected to the City Council in 2020 and was re-elected last month. He was sworn into office on December 9, the same night the Franklin Fire broke out and eventually grew to 4,000 acres, destroying eight homes and numerous other structures.
Officials said the fire was 42% contained as of Sunday.
Malibu City Councilman Bruce Silverstein and his wife Mindy stand in the living room of their fire-damaged home on December 15, 2024.
(Gina Ferrazzi/Los Angeles Times)
The Silversteins learned this week that firefighters had rescued a two-story building near Malibu Canyon Road after their home caught fire. Still, the couple lost most of their heirlooms and possessions to smoke and water damage.
“We were lucky because first we weren’t there and then we were safe,” Mindy said. “Memorabilia, heirlooms and everything else will remain smoke-damaged, but you will have the opportunity to choose what you want to keep.”
Since being evacuated from their home, the Silversteins and their German shepherd, Rain Boo, have been staying overnight at friends’ homes and hotels, waiting to learn the status of their home.
A fire destroyed the fireplace in the living room of Malibu City Councilman Bruce Silverstein’s home.
(Gina Ferrazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Mr Bruce said the family was convinced the house was “burnt down” after a fire broke out in one of the walls of the house early Tuesday morning. Security cameras showed all the bushes and ground around the house on fire.
They learned that firefighters managed to enter and extinguish the fire after it spread to the area.
“They showed us around the house and showed us what happened. They were very proud of the work they did,” Bruce said. “They saved the house.”
The couple is still trying to figure out what they can salvage from what’s left. They have been touched by the outpouring of support from friends and family, including a woman who gave Rain Boo a bag of dog toys and a friend who provided a place to stay.
“I think people are generally grateful right now,” said Bruce, who has received calls and emails from constituents about the fire. “That’s what it was, and it wouldn’t have been any different. But most of the community sentiment I feel is, ‘Thank God for the fire department.’ They saved everything. they saved lives. They saved their property. The number of homes destroyed was minimal. ”
After the Woolsey Fire, he helped organize efforts to reduce the legal fees charged by law firms to residents who suffered losses in the fire. He also worked with charities to bring in psychologists to help residents cope with the trauma of the fires and provide free therapy sessions.
He said this experience prepared him to help residents and the city weather the aftermath of the Franklin Fire.
Malibu City Councilman Bruce Silverstein and his wife Mindy walk past the rubble after their home was damaged in the Franklin Fire. They have no plans to move.
(Gina Ferrazzi/Los Angeles Times)
In an email to residents, Bruce warned that contractors, attorneys, private insurance adjusters and other fire-related service providers are “flocking to Malibu.” [like] Vultures are trying to take advantage of our vulnerability. ”
“They claim to be providing assistance, but they are looking for work and are putting their own interests first,” he wrote. “We need to take the time to come together and make sure everyone gets the best service from the best service providers at the best price.”
When asked if they were considering moving from Malibu, the Silversteins said they had no intention of leaving. Bruce said other longtime residents who lost their homes in the wildfires chose to stay and rebuild.
“I don’t think anything about it,” he said. “As long as I can fix up my house and live there, I don’t want to go anywhere else.”
Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.
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