#177: The devastating Woolsey Fire in Malibu – deemed an "unstoppable monster" – was five years ago today. 

The fire burned 97 thousand acres across the Santa Monica Mountains, killed three people and destroyed 1600 structures – a quarter of them were homes in the city of Malibu. 

But what did we learn? 

Today, HTLA speaks to LAist's science reporter Jacob Margolis about what happened, what we've learned...and what we haven't. Jacob also shares tips to keep you safe this fire season (which is happening now!). 

Guest: Jacob Margolis, science reporter for LAist.

Jacob is also host of the Big Burn podcast, which dives into personal stories that illuminate the history of how we got here, why we keep screwing things up, and what we can do to survive and even thrive while the world burns. Take a listen here. 

For more, check out Jacob's recent articles on wildfires:

https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/this-la-home-was-built-to-be-fireproof-will-it-survive-the-next-major-blaze

https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/big-tests-ahead-for-a-tiny-community-led-fire-department-in-bell-canyon

https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/topanga-canyon-wildfire-risk