In a heartfelt reflection, Ricki Lake shares her experience of losing her Malibu home in the Palisades fire and her involvement in the documentary ‘Big Rock Burning’.
Ricki Lake Reflects on the Palisades Fire Devastation
EXCLUSIVE: Actress and filmmaker Ricki Lake, who lost her Malibu home in the devastating Palisades fire, is joining Big Rock Burning as an executive producer. This film documents the incredible destruction caused by the wildfire and the community’s effort to rebuild.
Community Resilience Captured
The short film is directed and produced by David Goldblum, a resident of the Big Rock area of Malibu who narrowly escaped the fire. “In the immediate aftermath, [Goldblum] rallied the community to share their stories,” notes a release. More than 40 Malibu residents impacted by the fires participated in the filmmaking process.
Impressive Production Team
The film is produced by Julie Parker Benello (American Factory, Athlete A) of Secret Sauce Media and James Costa (The Dating Game, Welcome to Chechnya) of Bird Street Productions, alongside Goldblum. Other executive producers include Mark and Marilou Hamill, Oscar-winning director Bryan Fogel (Icarus), and Trevor Burgess (The White House Effect, Free Leonard Peltier).
Documenting the Aftermath
“Big Rock Burning explores the resilient spirit of Malibu’s Big Rock community as they rebuild from the ashes of the devastating Palisades Fire,” reads a synopsis. The film captures the raw aftermath of a harrowing night when residents were left to fend for themselves after officials deemed the area too dangerous to enter. With no help coming, neighbors turned into first responders; some fought back flames with garden hoses, while others were forced to flee through walls of fire.
Lake and her husband Ross Burningham lived in Las Flores Canyon, adjacent to Big Rock. As the fire spread rapidly from Palisades into Malibu, they fought to save their home.
“We had equipment ready and were trained to use it. We deployed fire hoses to protect our property and my neighbor’s, which survived. Unfortunately, ours did not,” Lake tells Deadline. “We left late in the evening with flames approaching our street… We were all fighting for our lives because firetrucks didn’t come up Big Rock. It’s devastating for our community, especially for generational families who lost homes where they raised their children and grandchildren. The level of devastation is unthinkable.”
Upcoming Screening and Call for Accountability
Big Rock Burning will hold an exclusive preview screening on Friday at Malibu City Hall, hosted by the Malibu Film Society and the City of Malibu. Following this, the film will have its Oscar-qualifying theatrical run from September 12-18 at the Laemmle in Santa Monica.
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Shortly after Big Rock Burning finished production, footage was presented to buyers at the Cannes Film Festival. Goldblum stated, “People are grieving, but they also want accountability. How was a city like Los Angeles so catastrophically unprepared for something we were warned about repeatedly?”
Lake shares these sentiments, expressing hope that the film will raise awareness about the lack of protection from the city during the disaster. “It’s shocking to think that the infrastructure was not there to protect us that day, despite the warnings,” she comments. “I’m not one to point fingers, but we were all let down.”
“I don’t want people to feel sorry for me… It could have been much worse for my husband and me, and we managed to get our dog out. This film highlights the stories of many who weren’t as fortunate,” Lake adds. “I am honored to collaborate with this group sharing such an important narrative.”
While focusing on others, Lake remains aware of her personal losses. “I lost all my memorabilia from Hairspray, including my script signed by every cast member, which I had for 38 years. It’s gone,” she reflects. “Everything from outfits to photo albums, we lost it all. We weren’t prepared to leave; we thought we could fight the fire. Looking back, it’s upsetting that we didn’t take more precautions.”
Following the destruction of their Malibu home, Lake and her husband moved to New York but have decided to rebuild on the ruins of their former property. “I am determined to return,” Lake declares. “I’m 56, turning 57 soon. I want to be back on my land for my 60th birthday. That is my hope, and I believe it’s a realistic goal.”
