Malibu Burning: The Real Story Behind LA's Most Devastating Wildfire

by Robert Kerbeck

Malibu is known as an earthly paradise of multi-million-dollar mansions, movie stars and unimaginable natural beauty.
But all that changed on November 8, 2018.
Go deep behind the scenes of the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Alongside his wife and son, Robert Kerbeck battled the fire that threatened to take their home. He knows first-hand how the Malibu fires affected everyone – from the rich and famous to the firefighters who often risked their lives.

Blending investigative journalism and personal memoir, Malibu Burning brings you on the dramatic, life-threatening journey of real people fighting 2,000 degree flames to save entire neighborhoods. You'll also read:
How the massive blaze affected Julia Roberts, Bob Dylan, Nick Nolte, and other celebrities.
Hundreds of interviews with perspectives of locals ranging from the Deputy Fire Chief and Malibu City Council members to residents who fought to defend their homes.
How people survived this tragedy through courage, kindness and unified cooperation.
This book takes you into the hearts and minds of those who fought for their lives while the world watched Malibu Burning.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2019

About the author

Robert Kerbeck is the founder of the Malibu Writers Circle and a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee. His award-winning memoir, RUSE: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street (Steerforth Press), is an extraordinary look into the secret world of corporate spying. His debut book, MALIBU BURNING: The Real Story Behind LA's Most Devastating Wildfire won a 2020 IPPY Award, a Readers' Favorite Award, a SoCal Journalism Award, and the Best of LA award.

His essays and short stories have been featured in Narratively, Los Angeles Magazine, Shondaland, San Francisco Chronicle, and the Los Angeles Times. His short story, Reconnected, was adapted into an award-winning film. He is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio and an award-winning actor.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Robert resides in Malibu. Learn more about him and his work at https://robertkerbeck.com

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of the Woolsey Fire of 2018 in Malibu California. The story is written by a resident of the Malibu who experienced the fires first hand. He originally wrote and Op. Ed. piece for the local paper, but was convinced that he should tell the story of the fire from the viewpoint of residents and those who took a stand to fight the fires when firefighters did not show up, or sat on the side of the road, content with evacuating residents. You hear from those who saved their own and their neighbour's homes. People who were involved in keeping ver 600 students on Pepperdine College Grounds safe as the fire raged around them. There are stories from residents who had trained to be Call FireFighters and raised money for their own engine, that was then commandeered and not available to save their own homes and many more. I was shocked to read about the poisons and possible radiation that was released in this fire.

This book takes you into the hearts and minds of those who fought for their lives while the world watched Malibu Burning. It reminds me of the last non-fiction story I read, The Last Plane in the Sky also told in stories from people who were there. The book is written in an easy to read manner and was a quick and interesting read. I read it in one day as I was very quickly invested in the various stories. It is well written and worth a read if you are interested in fire fighting, Hollywood, climate-related disasters or just an informative and interesting non-fiction story. I recommend this book to anyone with any of the aforementioned interests. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Eric Giroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book about a terrible disaster and the ordinary citizens who banded together to fight it. Kerbeck writes with deep humanity, affection, and bright flashes of humor about his beloved Malibu, which he brings vividly to life in this swift-moving account of the Woolsey Fire. The book is also deeply researched, chock-full of personal, local, and historical detail. And it's astonishing how such a richly developed book has come to us so soon after Woolsey. Long-time local Kerbeck must have been gathering notes, mental and written, about his adopted hometown for years. But for his account of the fire itself, Kerbeck draws on an unbelievable number of exhaustive interviews, all conducted and somehow fully digested into razor-sharp prose in the few short months since Woolsey ravaged Malibu. In addition to its many pleasures for readers, the book deserves a permanent place in the historical-narrative literature of California and its centuries-old struggles with natural disasters. Kerbeck is indeed (as one fellow surfer dubbed him) the "fire guy."

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This nonfiction book about the 2018 Malibu fires was really interesting. There was quite a bit of background information given about previous fires, such as the Corral Fires of 2007 and the fact that the area had a major fire every 10 years. One of the main causes of the devastation of the Malibu Fires where Robert Kerbeck lived was the Santa Ana winds, which caused the fire/flames to jump the famous 101 freeway to the other side, engulfing homes in flames.

Robert and his son Davis almost lost their lives fighting the flames because there were no firemen available to fight in their neighborhood due to other fires. So the "accidental firefighters" were children who used garden hoses and older people who used buckets of water. Robert's wife Gardia even YouTubed how to firefight; however, eventually the flames were too much.

Many famous people were mentioned in the book so that was interesting too, especially if one is into the rich and famous.

NetGalley provided a copy for me to read and review. All opinions are mine.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm stunned this gets such high reviews. The author does a good job of weaving all the characters and their stories together, but that means there's a lot of repetition.

The book also vilifies 95% of the fire fighters. This is infuriating for someone who knows any/many because every one of them forever battles against shortages of men, supplies/resources and money. They agonize over orders and not being able to do more, so the callous and indifferent light the author paints them in is not only infuriating but dangerous. No fire is ever handled perfectly, and while many mistakes were made with this one, it hardly warrants the "we're the real heroes, not those good-for-nothing so-called fire fighters" feel this entire book has.

And as a final note, the author narrates his own book & does an awful job. His cadence & inflections have no rhyme or reason. It's like he's trying to add more drama, which only makes his words seem disingenuous.

[John Struloeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through vivid firsthand accounts of survivors, drawn from more than two hundred interviews, as well as his own near fatal confrontation with the fire, Kerbeck guides us through the disorienting and often terrifying experience that was the Woolsey Fire of 2018. Cinematic and rich with detail, with characters and scenes that will stay with you long after you've closed the book, this investigative memoir reads like a well-written novel. One of the first books to be written about the Woolsey Fire, it is unflinching as it asks the hard questions that haunt many of the survivors.

[Michael Bland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malibu Burning is gripping and heart-breaking. The world-famous area is a mix of beauty and wealth, blue-collar and high-end. And nearly all of it burned in one horrific fire.

Kerbeck brings you into the chaos and terror, the camaraderie and sacrifice, because he was there. He and his family fought the fire. With not only first-hand knowledge but hard research and deep passion, Kerbeck has written an account that is as searing as the fire itself. His tapestry of tales will remind you of the heights and lows of humanity, of what we gain when we work together—and the tragedy when we don’t.

[Adam Rocke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant and harrowing tale of a major wildfire from the eyes (and heart) of someone who lived it.

The literary fuel that drives this story could only have come from someone who saw its devastation and felt its heat up close & personal.

I'd recommend it to anyone!

[Patti Mehring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am living in a trailer on my burned out property. I always thought the next big disaster in Malibu would be an earthquake, maybe even a terrorist attack... not a fire. We’ve got that down. Or so I thought - apparently not. What went wrong? Kerbeck tells the story in a human way while at the same time uncovering facts that some are attempting to bury. Anyone who lives in a fire zone needs to read this book. Every Malibuite needs to read it too - educate yourself about fire, be inspired by the incredible people that live in our town, ask yourself - how can I be better prepared?

[Claire Fullerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When tragedy engulfs a community, the media report the overarching highlights, typically from an aerial view. In Malibu Burning, author Robert Kerbeck portrays the hidden story—the nuanced blow-by-blow minutia told with such investigative reporting skills as to lend immediate urgency with a sense of present tense. It can’t be easy to shake oneself off and get organized, after surviving what can only be called the surreal worst, which is what Kerbeck basically did in writing this riveting book. Malibu Burning is a boots-on-the-ground story; an impassioned order from chaos, cohesive treatise told with a clear-eyed, objective voice. Weaving facts with vivid personal accounts in this cause and effect human interest story, this is a book so well-wrought as to hold one’s attention with all the characteristics of a gripping novel. It takes a deft hand to avoid judgment or accusation in a painstakingly researched nonfiction book. Robert Kerbeck’s Malibu Burning is a book with a resonating heartbeat. It sobers by threading the true stories of Malibu’s citizens who navigated the devastating Woolsey wildfire and simultaneously warms the heart by depicting the power of spirit.

[Cristofer Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firefighters sitting idly by in air conditioned vehicles while neighborhoods burned. Law enforcement blocking aid to stranded residents. City officials filled with resentment towards residents for protecting themselves and neighbors. Why? Malibu Burning is a gripping yet compassionate presentation of first hand accounts of a catastrophe unfolding as the Woolsey fire consumed Malibu. In an evenhanded way this book also documents and explores the failure of local government, law enforcement and firefighters to protect the communities entrusted to them. This is a cautionary tale for all those who choose to live in this fire prone area; you and your neighbors may very well be on your own to protect your community during disaster.

[Mimi Prushan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am completely astounded that you were able to research, write and publish the book a year to the day of the fires you lived thru. It was so compelling to read the stories of the community members as well as yours. So harrowing. haunting, and frightening . I can't imagine living thru /experiencing that once let alone multiple times. I finished the book early this morning and was fascinated to learn about the "politics" and internal things that one would never know from the outside looking in. The compassion people had for one another to go out on a limb to help neighbors and strangers and put them selves in harms way was incredible. I really enjoyed reading this and keep talking about it to friends.

Mimi P

[Kristin Armfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant. Personal. Powerful. This is the Malibu you don't know.

Part embedded journalistic reporting/part memoir, Malibu Burning reveals the real Malibu, a fiercely independent and eclectic community, including the author himself, collectively facing the worst firestorm in Los Angeles to date. From garden hoses to late night youtube tutorials, to saving thirsty chickens and injured ponies to community elders, this is an epic page-turner set against the intimate triumph and tragedy of its inhabitants.

I felt like I was there with them all, tearing up over each loss, each human connection. Equal parts humanity, frustration and grit, this is a story worth reading, a microcosm of a community like so many others, trying to save themselves, so many left on their own to choke on the smoke and betrayal.

Intense and real, the saga is ongoing. While giving his community a forum to touch us on a personal level, Kerbeck pulls the curtain back to reveal the historic and systemic failures that got us here, asking the difficult questions...why and what now.

[Liane · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is a fire not just a fire? When the real people (and even animals) affected by it are examined closely and compassionately, when the politics of how and what flames were extinguished first is revealed, when the fire (in this case, the Woolsey fire) is a jumping off point for an in-depth look at the people and places (some of them now lost) of Malibu. This is an exceptional book, and one that (if you are a Los Angeleno especially) will make you angry, too.

When you see a tragedy on the news, it's awful but it's not personal. Kerbeck gets into the thick of it here with gripping, personal stories -- and you will be unable to put this book down wondering whether the home of the person you've just met but are already rooting for has survived or not. Even when you know the outcome (thanks to some great pictures throughout the book), it doesn't matter -- this book is a nail biter because Kerbeck builds tension with tightly-written, intense stories that give an incredible snapshot of some pretty fascinating people who you haven't read about (the Los Angeles Times should be paying attention).

You will get angry (and that's a good thing -- even if you're not in LA, this book gives you a lot of motivation for taking a closer look at your own city services). Kerbeck has done a remarkable amount of research and interviewed people (some of whom weren't all that willing to talk) to back up the more controversial claims (the LAFD should be ashamed, honestly). It's fierce and it's tight. Get it. Read it.

[steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

While entering at times, the author provides an extremely slanted version of events, which is understandable from his perspective as a property owner impacted by such an event.

As a firefighter with more than 31 years of experience fighting fires throughout the state of California, including a few in the Malibu and Calabasas area during Santa Ana wind events, I NEVER was a part of, nor did I witness firefighters purposefully not taking APPROPRIATE actions based on current and expected fire behavior. Firefighters throughout the state have and continue to risk their lives to save the lives, property and possessions of those we swore to protect without hesitation. Every incident has it’s challenges, no matter how large; California residents are served by some of the best fire services in the world. Agencies are constantly learning and improving from these incidents.

The individual stories are no doubt accurately told from the perspective of the survivors, but that is only a portion of the entire story of such events. After almost every major wildfire, media love the story of the “little guy” with a garden hose producing a 12 gallon per minute stream standing up to a flaming front of thousands of BTUs saving his entire neighborhood when no firefighters were there…The reality is such efforts are potentially effective in small scale ember-cast events, but simply a dangerous, romantic notion in other conditions; there’s a long list of victims who learned that lesson too late, including firefighters.

The lesson missed in this effort to tell a story is that homes are saved by preparations completed long before the fire is burning. To the fire, homes are no different that a stand of eucalyptus trees or sumac, just more fuel to be consumed. Past fires tell those paying attention that properties survive because of a variety of elements in or out of alignment, some, including pre-fire preparation within human control, but, ultimately, once a fire is well established, some conditions are cannot be influenced by mankind.

What mattered most in this fire, as it does in every fire are the irreplaceable lives of those in its path, civilians and firefighters.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in 2 days and I'm a pretty slow reader. I thought it was so well written and truly informative. Since we live in Malibu we know many of the same people and have heard many of the stories (including our own). Mr. Kerbeck handled the subject perfectly in my opinion and with such insight and even a bit of humor. Hard to do with the subject matter. There are so many stories about this devastating fire. I felt like he picked some really good ones, (including his own) and he really did a great job explaining the history, and the difficulties in fighting such a colossal fire. Well done, I recommend this book to anyone that wants to get a better understanding about these devastating fires that have become yearly events.

[Marrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

California's annual siege of predictable wildfires might make the casual observer nearly immune to the horrific images on the nightly news. Like America's gun violence epidemic, we're in danger of numbing ourselves to overwhelming tragedy. And once a fire is contained and the news cycle moves on, its devastating aftermath and the fates of its victims are often forgotten.

Kerbeck takes readers by the hand and leads them—street by street, home by home, bedroom by wagon by horse stall—through the Woolsey fire. We learn little known facts about the Santa Susana Nuclear site. We find out what it takes to become a volunteer firefighter (spoiler alert: you won't believe it). We hear about the many families abandoned by their local fire department to fight the fire on their own.

With a trained eye for the written word, an ear for the telling detail, and plenty of personal experience, Kerbeck takes us on a journey few will forget, even after the last ember is extinguished. He writes with both experience and empathy, and reveals a very different Malibu than the one often portrayed on Hollywood's screens. You'll grow to love his neighbors and applaud his community. And you'll likely ask yourself not only: what if this happened to me, but (if you live in many parts of this State) when .....

[Tiffany Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid and gripping.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malibu Burning is the true story of the everyday heroes during Malibu's devastating Woolsey Fire, the largest wildfire in Malibu's history. Kerbeck has done his homework here - interviewing citizens, on-the-ground first responders, fire personnel, celebrities, even the mayor. From the ashes, the story of a determined community emerges - not the community of glamour and fame known to the outside world - but the one behind the celebrity curtain, the one known as Old Malibu. Through the retelling of this grueling ordeal we discover a community of tremendous heart and grit, with a generosity among neighbors that is unparalleled. There are so many revelations in this well-written gem of a book, not the least of which is that we cannot depend on firefighters to save us when the time comes, and in the absence of government services and officials, we must depend on each other to survive and move forward. Anyone who has ever lived through wildfire or natural disaster will appreciate the raw heroism of everyday people in this book, characters aptly drawn by Kerbeck. Anyone looking for celebrity titillation will get their fill of surprises. Those seeking to prepare themselves for the next big fire will learn how from the harrowing accounts of those who faced fire and survived. Those looking for the heart of a community made-up of spirited mavericks will find inspiration. It's impossible to read without crying. Highly recommend.

[S. Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just a book about one of the most damaging fires in California's history. Rather, it challenges our traditional understanding of the role of firefighters and opens up some questions that are not easily answered. I totally agree with what another reviewer says here, that Robert Kerbeck doesn't shy away from looking at the failings especially of the fire department but also of homeowners as well. But because he himself was/is a resident at "ground zero," he treats the material with a lot of grace and sensitivity. I highly recommend it.

[Judy Carlisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Kerbeck crafts a vivid account of how the Woolsey fire and other historic fires changed everything for the people of Malibu. Prior to reading this book I knew nothing about Malibu: it's people or it's history. Now I have an idea of what homeowners and firefighters go through in order to save homes, animals, schools and communities. Regardless of your familiarity with Malibu and wildfires, you will come away with more understanding and compassion for those who have lived through the devastating effects of a wildfire.

[Tina Neyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerbeck paints a compelling depiction of the Woolsey fire in Malibu last year, by presenting the stories of every day people.

While listening to NPR and the reports coming out of California today, I understand the plight of communities with a greater clarity.

People in the Midwest where I live today have no concept of the issues with such raging fires. But if you read this book it will personalize the situation. You wont be able to look at these fires in quite the same way after reading this.

[Debbie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerbeck’s “Malibu Burning” presents a heroic true story that pulls you into the vortex of the Woolsey Fire. You will not forget the harrowing experience one family faced to save their home, nor the heartbreaking aftermath faced by the Malibu community.

[Sandra O'Briant · Rating 5 out of 5]

In California, we see people who’ve lost everything in rampaging fires on television, but Robert Kerbeck goes deep by sharing their personal stories: not just about their losses but their love stories, ties to the community, and what drew them to Malibu in the first place. In the process, we learn about the history of the area, and along with the author ask the question, where were the firefighters? His writing is straightforward and heartfelt. It's a hard book to put down.

[Yi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Malibu wildfires were something all of America paid attention to and heard about, but this is the first book I've seen to tell it from the perspective of people on the ground. Kerbeck writes their stories with humility and grace, ultimately crafting a picture of the people of Malibu that I think those of us living even 100 miles away from it, like me, would never otherwise get. What outs is a recounting of the wildfire that's truly three-dimensional, with the added benefit of the reader's feeling as if they've gotten to know a whole new community. This is not the Malibu you see on TV--and that's a good thing.
Kerbeck's work is also deeply introspective. This book is also a memoir on some level, and it's worth the read there, too.

[Andrea Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often we read about horrific events, feel bad, categorize them, and move on. But reading Malibu Burning is another thing entirely -- an up-close-and-personal account of the Woolsey fire told through interviews and bolstered by research and history that brings you into the event in a way you won't forget. But not only is there the immediacy that Kerbeck's lively and dramatic writing brings to the events that transpired, you also learn about the inhabitants of the Malibu community, its history, and its beauty. He doesn't shy away from discussing the failings and sadness of the aftermath as well. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in how it really was during that terrible time.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking look at a community that comes together in the face and aftermath of tragedy. Gripping and compassionate, full of unforgettable characters. This is the Malibu you've never seen. Read it and get organized. Climate change is real and it's coming to a neighborhood near you.

[Matthew Saver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a MUST READ for those who lived through the Woolsey Fire and a MUST READ for those who don’t want to live through this again in the future. Kerbeck combines historical perspective, detailed fact-checking, and storytelling that is easily relatable. I have to admit to experiencing a level of trepidation (even though I know how it ends!), like reading a suspense novel. Who would have thought to discover a non-fiction page-turner?

[Seth Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative, enjoyable and moving read.

Very much an oral history of how the Woolsey fire impacted and affected Malibu residents of varied backgrounds and economic situations.

The writer’s humanity and empathy shows through on every page.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply for the reportage in this book, it is worth the read! I lost my Malibu Park childhood home in the Woolsey Fire and thought I knew pretty much everything about what went down, but I was mistaken. I can certainly corroborate Kerbeck’s stories, and for those not in the know, the stories in this book may sound implausible, but I assure you they are accurately portrayed. Kerbeck won a well-deserved Indie Award for this title. Even though I didn’t want relive the trauma, reading this book has informed me about the politics of fighting fires, the heroism of everyday citizens and residents doing all they could to help out while some (not all!) paid firefighters sat in their trucks refusing to help among the chaos (yes, sadly, you read that correctly), and much more. Kudos to Kerbeck for this work!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book was a fascinating read and a timely reminder of the importance of residents being prepared for disasters, including wildfires. We cannot rely on our government to save us! We need go bags ready, so we can evacuate within minutes. We also need our household evacuation plan prepared in advance. We also should not wait for the official evacuation notice to leave! If possible, leave ahead of time and/or you might find gridlock.