A journey to rebuild and restore
After the #woolseyfire #malibustrong
Our home was lost in the Woolsey Fire
The Woolsey Fire was the worst fire catastrophe in Los Angeles County history. It ignited on November 8, 2018 near the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a toxic site in Simi Valley in Ventura County near the border of Los Angeles County. The fire spread quickly in the Santa Ana wind conditions that overwhelmed limited available fire protection resources and burned 96,949 acres (39,234 hectares) of land. Within the boundaries of the blaze, more than 21,000 acres – 88% – of the National Park Service acres within the area burned. The fire destroyed 1,643 structures, killed three people, and prompted the evacuation of more than 295,000 people, some for days, some for weeks, some for months.
Our home in Malibu was one of the buildings lost. Everything we owned went with it.
Buildings destroyed
Acres burned
Trees burned
Time since the fire
years
months
days
We are rebuilding
More sustainably, safer, healthier, resilient
We could have rebuilt the same house. We chose to rebuild a better one. Our goal is a home that can survive the next wildfire, keeps us healthy, and runs on clean energy. We share each step here, including what works and what doesn't, so other families rebuilding after a fire can learn from it.
Building
Fire-resistant construction, with healthy materials inside and out.
Energy
Rooftop solar for 100% renewable power, with battery storage. In the worst case, a wildfire, extra fuel backup keeps our fire suppression system running.
Landscape
Native plants, erosion control, fire resistance and food, with beauty year-round.
Water
We reduce and reuse our well water, capture rainwater, and plan for emergencies when the grid or the well fails.
Latest updates
Follow the rebuild as it happens, from the first plans to the finishing touches.
All journal entries →
