A couple who survived the Franklin and Woolsey fire have no plans to leave their Malibu home

Bruce and Mindy Silverstein flee their Malibu home as the wind-driven Franklin Fire moves into their neighborhood and watch in horror from a nearby hotel as the fire threatens to destroy their home in the Santa Monica foothills.

The couple had moved to California from the East Coast 13 years ago to be closer to their children and fell in love with their paradise. They knew the dangers of wildfire and were undaunted after the Woolsey fire that devastated the community in 2018, burned nearly 97,000 acres across the state and destroyed more than 1,600 properties.

Instead, Bruce, a lawyer, was inspired after the fire to get involved in local government issues to advocate for more public services. In 2020, he was elected to the City Council and last month he was re-elected. He was sworn into office on December 9, the same evening the Franklin fire broke out, eventually reaching 4,000 acres and destroying eight homes and many other structures.

As of Sunday, the fire was 42% contained, officials said.

The Silverstein family found out this week that their home was on fire but firefighters were able to save the two-story building on Malibu Canyon Road. However, the couple lost most of their property and possessions due to smoke and water damage.

“We're lucky because we weren't there first, and we were safe,” said Mindy. “We still have our memories and our heritage and all the smoke damage as it is, but we will have the opportunity to choose what we want to keep.”

Since moving out of their home, the Silversteins and their German shepard Rain Bu have been staying overnight at a friend's place and in hotels as they wait to learn about the status of their home.

A destroyed fireplace in the living room of Malibu Councilman Bruce Silverstein's home.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

After a fire broke out in one of the walls of the house on Tuesday morning, the family was sure that their house was “on fire,” Bruce said. Security cameras showed the forest and yards around their home in flames.

After the fire passed through the area, they discovered that firefighters were able to break in and put it out.

“They visited us in the house and showed us what happened. They are proud of the work they have done,” said Bruce. “They saved the house.”

The couple is still trying to figure out what they can salvage from what's left. They were overwhelmed by the support from friends and family, including a woman who gave them a bag of Rain Bu toy dogs and friends who gave them places to stay.

“I think people are very grateful right now,” said Bruce, who has received calls and emails from members about the fire. “It was what it was, and it couldn't be different. But I think for the most part, I feel the public sentiment is: 'Thank God for firefighters.' They saved everything. They save lives. They saved the buildings. We had small houses that were destroyed.”

After the Woolsey fire, he helped organize an effort to reduce legal fees charged by law firms to residents who lost fire. He also worked with a charity to bring in psychologists to help residents cope with the trauma of the fire and provide free therapy sessions.

He said the experience prepared him to help the residents and the city get through the aftermath of the Franklin fire.

Malibu Councilman Bruce Silverstein and his wife, Mindy, walk through the rubble after their home was destroyed in the Franklin fire. They have no transport plans.

(Gina Ferazzi/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 to take advantage of our vulnerable position.”

“They say they are offering help, but they want a job and have their own desires,” he wrote. “We need to take our time, get together, and get the best service from the best service providers at the best prices for everyone.”

When asked if they were considering leaving Malibu, the Silversteins said they had no intention of leaving. Some veteran residents who lost their homes to the wildfires chose to stay and rebuild, Bruce said.

“I don't think twice about it,” he said. As long as we can live there after fixing up our house, I have no desire to go anywhere else.”

Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed in this report.