Point Dume residents consider forming volunteer fire department after Woolsey Fire
MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- Malibu residents in the Point Dume area are considering forming their own volunteer fire department after helping fight the flames away from homes during the Woolsey Fire.
Patrol cars raced up and down Pacific Coast Highway to enforce evacuation orders during the deadly blaze that burned parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties for several days this week. But in the heart of the evacuation zone, a hardy group of Point Dume residents never left.
"Because we were afraid we were going to lose our homes," said homeowner Pamela Conleyuilch. "I put out embers for five homes around my neighborhood."
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There is no power in the area as of Wednesday. No stores are open and many people are now homeless, but a steady stream of supplies keeps coming in: water, food and even gasoline.
While volunteers are keeping residents fed and supplied, many are also thinking it may be time for a volunteer fire department, just for the Point Dume area.
"A fire of this magnitude, you know, everybody is spread thin. You know, the more bodies the better; trained personnel - it's a good thing," said Malibu resident Craig Conkinn.
Residents say they were able to save homes in their area as the fire ripped through the neighborhood. With cooperation from authorities, they think they can save even more next time.
