A fast-moving wildfire, named the Franklin Fire, has swept through Malibu, forcing thousands of residents, including celebrities like Dick Van Dyke and Cher, to evacuate their homes.
The blaze, which started late Monday in Malibu Canyon, has scorched over 3,000 acres, destroyed seven structures, and damaged eight more.
Firefighters are battling the inferno, with about 1,500 personnel deployed. Despite their efforts, the fire remains 0% contained as of Wednesday morning.
The region is under a red-flag warning due to dry, windy conditions, making the area highly susceptible to wildfires.
Governor Gavin Newsom has authorized federal assistance to support the firefighting efforts.
Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday, confirmed on Facebook that he and his wife, Arlene, evacuated safely with their pets, though one cat, Bobo, is still missing.
His home reportedly remains intact, though his neighbor’s house was damaged.
Cher also fled the area, though Barbra Streisand’s evacuation status remains unclear. Mark Hamill, another Malibu resident, stated he chose to stay put.
The wildfire forced the closure of schools, major roads, and power lines, leaving tens of thousands without electricity.
The evacuation zone includes parts of Malibu east of Malibu Canyon Road and south of Puma Road, including the Serra Retreat area.
Pepperdine University, located near the fire’s origin, initially instructed students to shelter in place.
Firefighters managed to protect the campus, limiting damage to minor incidents, and no injuries were reported.
Wildfires are a frequent hazard in California due to the region’s dry climate and strong Santa Ana winds.
The Franklin Fire comes just a month after another wildfire prompted mass evacuations in nearby Moorpark.
While the exact cause of the fire is still unknown, experts point to climate change as a contributing factor in creating more extreme weather conditions that fuel wildfires.
Scientists also emphasize the role of land management in mitigating fire risks, noting that wildfires in California have increased significantly in recent decades.
Evacuation centers remain open as emergency teams continue working to contain the blaze.
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