Among hundreds of inhabitants ordered to flee Malibu following the Franklin Fire’s outbreak, fast-burning acres of the upscale Los Angeles-area town, actor Dick Van Dyke and musician Cher
Officials said the fire started in Malibu Canyon and burned at least seven homes. For most of Malibu, a mandatory evacuation order is still in place; as of Tuesday night, officials claim 0 percent containment.
Although the origin of the fire is unknown, the area has been under a red flag warning, signaling conditions ready for severe fire behavior. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the fire has charred over 3,000 acres of land.
What has the fire thus far destroyed?
The Franklin Fire left behind burned-out vehicles, destroyed homes, and damaged landscapes. Renowned for its celebrity residents and breathtaking seaside vistas, Malibu has seen properties owned by celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z fall within the evacuation area.
Actor Dick Van Dyke reported his horrific encounter on social media: “My wife Arlene and I managed to escape safely with our pets, but our beloved cat, Bobo, is still missing. We pray he will be alright and that our Serra Retreat community will survive these horrible flames.”
Although Van Dyke’s neighbor’s property stayed unharmed, witnesses claimed flames surrounded his house.
Singer Cher had to evacuate as well. Malibu’s other well-known residents, including Barbra Streisand, were also affected. As of Tuesday night, Streisand’s spokeswoman reported her evacuation status was not known.
As the fire spreads, how is the community handling things?
To prevent further threats, the wildfire has forced highways and schools to close and power to be turned off in impacted communities. Over 5,000 residents have been displaced, and evacuation shelters have been set up to offer animals and people sanctuary.
Originally told to cover Pepperdine University, close to the source of the fire, While that sequence has been revoked, the university has urged students to remain on campus since attempts at fire control keep surrounding roads closed. There were no recorded injuries to personnel or students; firefighters saved the university with little damage.
“The flames came right up to the library,” a student witness stated. “We were hiding inside while crews battled them back.”
Is the iconic coastline of Malibu at risk?
Originally three miles north of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), renowned for its breathtaking coastal views, Malibu officials located the fire. The Malibu Pier area was in jeopardy as the flames swiftly moved south across the highway.
The Serra Retreat area south of Puma Road and regions east of Malibu Canyon Road are in the evacuation zone. A fire map shows the perilous conflagration near beachfront homes, schools, and municipal buildings. Officials moved their command center to Calabasas Tuesday night after invading flames threatened Malibu’s city hall.
What is driving the explosive fire spread?
Authorities link the Franklin Fire’s fast development to the Santa Ana winds, long associated with the wildfire season in California. This fire follows a similar event just a month ago in Moorpark, where thousands of people had to flee.
Why Are California Fires Getting More Frequent?
California’s wildfire risk has sharply increased over the years. Between 1996 and 2021, the burned area in northern and central California rose fivefold from the previous 24 years.
Scientists attribute the increase in wildfire activity to climate change, which has sharpened conditions, including heat and dryness. A wildfire researcher remarked, “It’s not just about the climate.” “Also quite important are land management and human activity.”
Although the Franklin Fire is less than some of the state’s most recent wildfires, its quick spread emphasizes the increasing risk these occurrences carry. While citizens of Malibu yearn for relief, firefighters fight the flames, resolved to save what is left of the city.
