Malibu resident Brooke Burke recently shared her experience with the devastating Franklin Fire, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and community support during emergencies. Having evacuated her home four times due to wildfires, Burke has developed a crucial strategy: the "fire box."

This box contains irreplaceable items like baby books, children's hospital bracelets, and sentimental photos – things that can't be digitally recovered. Burke stresses the need for everyone in fire-prone areas to have such a box ready.

This time, it was her fiancé, Scott Rigsby, who first noticed the smell of smoke. Upon seeing the red glow in the night sky, Burke calmly gathered her family, including her four children, and they evacuated separately to Santa Monica, thanks to her older children being able to drive. Burke highlighted the importance of having a plan and staying calm during such crises. "The more we can prepare, the better," she advised.

While Burke's family escaped safely, she acknowledged the devastation faced by many of her neighbors who lost everything. She described the inspiring way the community rallied together, even helping to extinguish a fire on a neighbor's lawn. This sense of community, Burke noted, is a powerful force during challenging times.

Burke's fire box proved invaluable. It contained essential documents like passports, birth certificates, and Social Security cards, items often difficult to replace. She advises people to keep these vital documents, along with other crucial items, readily accessible and fully charged. She uses the acronym "Ps" to remember the essentials: people, pets, passports, plastics (credit cards), paperwork, prescriptions, and power up on everything.

Despite the fire being largely contained, many residents remain hesitant to return home due to fear and sadness. While celebrities like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Julia Roberts, and Lady Gaga reportedly have homes in the area, the extent of damage to their properties remains unclear. Other celebrities, including Dick Van Dyke and Jane Seymour, also shared their experiences on social media, highlighting the widespread impact of the fire.

Burke's story underscores the importance of preparedness, the strength of community, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of disaster.