Malibu Prepares For Woolsey 2-Year Anniversary

MALIBU, CA — Monday will mark two years since the Woolsey Fire destroyed nearly 750 homes in Greater Malibu, killed three, and changed the city forever. To celebrate the anniversary, the city has declared Nov. 9 as Malibu’s Annual Day of Preparedness, and launched a contest in October to see which Malibuites are “Best Prepared in 2020.”

Residents submitted photos and videos on ways that they’ve prepared to a panel of judges, which includes Mayor Mikke Pierson, Malibu CERT Team Leader Richard Garvey, and Public Safety Commission Chair Chris Frost. Submissions are judged for how well-prepared the participant for emergencies.

“The photos and videos should demonstrate for example, emergency plans, emergency supplies and kits, fire extinguishers, solar phone chargers, a certificate of completion of a CERT of first aid course, or anything that demonstrate preparedness,” the city said in its announcement.

The judges said that they have been so impressed with the submissions that they will be extending three different “Best Prepared Awards” for three unique categories. The winners will be announced Monday at 5:30 during a Council meeting to commemorate Woolsey’s second anniversary.

Winners will receive a commendation during the meeting, which will also show submissions of slides and a video highlighting the progress made rebuilding homes damaged by the fire. Since the fire two years ago, 16 single-family residences have been rebuilt, 154 permits have been issued.

During a Council meeting Thursday, Pierson said he’s been inspired seeing what residents have come up with. “Thanks to everyone that entered our contest in fire prep. Everyone did a great job, and it was really great to see what some people are doing,” he said. “I just urge everybody to not be complacent on fire preparation. It’s gonna come again, and as human beings we have a natural tendency to sort of forget and move on, but please please please, if you’re not sure what to do, there’s simple things you can do. Anyone can reach out to me.”

Commemorations this year will be virtual due to COVID, but last year hundreds of people gathered at Zuma Beach for the one-year anniversary, where local organizations put up tents with resources, and survivors shared emotional testimony.

Since the fire, the city has taken a number of steps to rebuild and prepare, including offering free fire hardening inspections from a former fire chief, waiving building permit fees, upgrading emergency notification systems, upgrading water tanks, and splitting the city into evacuation zones. The city also published a website offering information on rebuilding and preparedness resources.

Check out Patch's series on the fire's one-year anniversary:

Photos That Captured The Heartache And Enormity Of Woolsey Fire

No Going Back After Woolsey: How The Monster Changed Firefighting

Adapting, Learning And Soul-Searching: Reflecting On Woolsey Fire

Life After Woolsey: Malibu Still Soul-Searching One Year Later