Among the countless heroes working to protect Malibu residents from the Franklin Fire is a group of volunteer heroes who stepped up to protect their community.
The newly formed Los Angeles County Community Fire Department is made up of motivated and trained volunteers to protect our communities during emergencies. Its goal is to assist firefighters in dire situations and when resources are scarce.
As flames spread across thousands of acres in Malibu, emergency services were on the scene, and a new team was on hand. When fires occur suddenly, like the Franklin Fire, affected residents often feel helpless. A new team of volunteers wants to improve that.
“There’s a sense of powerlessness here, no sense of ownership, no prevention role, no response role,” said Keegan Gibbs, director of operations for the Los Angeles County Regional Fire Department. Ta. “And the county has given us an opportunity to be able to play a role in that response, that preparation, that’s all.”
Gibbs said he and his team have been on the scene assisting with the response since the Franklin Fire broke out Monday night. For many in the Volunteer Brigade, this feels all too familiar, as several members lost their homes in 2018.
Woolsey Fire.
“My family lost their home, my friends lost their home,” he said.
The brigade’s heroic efforts were recognized by Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath.
“I also want to shout out to our volunteer brigade, our volunteer sheriffs on patrol, and the Malibu CERT team who are helping keep our communities safe,” Stewart said. “As I’ve said before, Malibu is a community of volunteers, with some of the brightest people working today in both the volunteer court and our profession.
“It is extraordinary to see community fire brigades and CDCR teams stepping up the services that trained personnel can provide, and the bravery and bravery with which they step in and provide needed support in times of crisis. ,” Horvath said.
The volunteer group currently has 45 members. They received approximately 60 hours of training in collaboration with and approval from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other emergency authorities. The team is funded by individual donations.
Those interested in joining the brigade must be at least 18 years of age and able to lift heavy objects and physically fight fires.
Click here for more information on volunteering.
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