Volkswagen Van Survives California Wildfire, Becoming a ‘Beacon of Hope’
A vintage blue Volkswagen van, affectionately nicknamed ‘Azul,’ has emerged as a symbol of hope after miraculously surviving the recent Palisades fire in Malibu, California. The fire, which ravaged homes and vehicles, left the van remarkably unscathed, captivating the public with its resilience.
Preston Martin, the van’s former owner, was stunned to learn of its survival. He had initially believed the van was lost when he parked it in the Malibu neighborhood just before the fire. “There is magic in that van,” Martin, 24, said. “It makes no sense why this happened. It should have been toasted, but here we are.”
Martin purchased the 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 during his college years and even lived in it to save on rent. He later sold it to his friend and business partner, Megan Krystle Weinraub, 29, who now uses the van as part of her surf and skateboard design business, Vibrant Boards.
On January 5th, Weinraub, along with Bodi the dog, went surfing with the van. The van was parked on a hillside spot near her apartment. When the fire erupted two days later, Weinraub evacuated with her dog, initially fearing the worst for ‘Azul.’
Weinraub was astounded to receive a photograph from a neighbor showing the van intact amidst the destruction. “I freaked out,” she said, recalling her reaction upon seeing the photo. She immediately contacted Martin, and the two have been overjoyed that the van’s survival has become a source of inspiration for many.
The story of ‘Azul’ has even gained media attention, with an Associated Press photograph of the van circulating widely. “It’s so cool that it’s become this, like, beacon of hope,” Martin said. Weinraub has not been able to visit Azul because the area remains closed to the public. The van’s survival has become a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of devastation.
