Topanga Canyon felt abandoned. So residents are banding together to fight fire

Derek Mabra, a carpenter, musician, and surfer, candidly acknowledges his lack of firefighting experience, stating, "F- no, I'm a carpenter and musician and surfer. Not a firefighter by any means." He embodies the determination of locals acting to protect their homes amidst dire circumstances.

With firefighters overwhelmed by one of California's worst wildfires, residents have formed a volunteer group termed 'Heat Hawks.' They undertake 'house triage,' addressing minor blazes and contacting officials when fires exceed their control. Mabra emphasizes the community’s spirit: 'Everyone just seems grateful for a little help ensuring the fire-prone mountain town is not the next one wiped off the map.'

Read at Los Angeles Times