A car passes by raging flames from the Franklin Fire near Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. AP Photo
A wildfire in Malibu, California, fueled by strong winds, has rapidly expanded, forcing thousands to flee their homes, including celebrities like Cher and Dick Van Dyke. The fire erupted late Monday night, growing to over six square miles by Wednesday morning and threatening more than 7,500 structures. Despite firefighters' relentless efforts, the fire remains only 7% contained.
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, braving steep canyons and charred structures, aided by water-dropping aircraft. While the fiercest Santa Ana winds have subsided, dry gusts continue to pose challenges, keeping critical fire conditions in place. “The fire grew by nearly 40% overnight,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone, highlighting the fire's intensity.
The blaze has wreaked havoc on Malibu, a coastal community renowned for its scenic beauty and celebrity homes. Flames have engulfed horse farms, beachfront mansions, and areas near Pepperdine University, where students were forced to shelter in place. The university reported minimal structural damage but postponed final exams as a precaution.
A member of the Los Angeles County Community Brigade sprays water on smouldering areas of a house damaged by the Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, on December 10, 2024. AP Photo
Evacuees, some fleeing with only minutes to spare, described harrowing experiences. Mimi Teller, a Red Cross spokesperson, recounted stories of people leaving in their pajamas, many without essentials. Shawn Smith, who evacuated from Malibu RV Park, returned to find it miraculously saved by firefighters who halted the flames at the perimeter. “We got lucky,” he said.
Tragically, some residents were less fortunate. Lonnie Vidaurri's home was destroyed, leaving his family searching for temporary shelter. “My girls cried, but it could have been worse,” said Vidaurri, who lost cherished possessions and pets. This marks his fourth evacuation in a decade of living in Malibu, a sobering reminder of the area’s vulnerability to wildfires.
A firefighter works to extinguish flames engulfing a home during the Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. AP Photo
Celebrities are also among the evacuees. Van Dyke shared his concerns on social media, noting that one of his cats was missing. Cher’s publicist confirmed that the singer had safely evacuated. Meanwhile, some residents, like Alec Gellis, stayed behind to protect their properties, using swimming pool water to douse flames creeping perilously close to their homes.
Power outages, initiated by utility companies to prevent equipment from sparking fires, have compounded the community’s struggles. Tens of thousands remain without electricity, including over 6,000 in Malibu. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with utility equipment a potential focus due to its role in previous wildfires.
