Franklin fire in Malibu explodes over 3,000 acres as Dick Van Dyke and Cher evacuated from their homes: Live
A red flag fire weather warning is in place in Malibu as evacuations affect 20,000 residents
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Your support makes all the difference.A fast-moving wildfire has scorched nearly 4,000 acres in Malibu, forcing 20,000 residents to flee as flames advanced on homes, horse farms, and Pepperdine University.
The Franklin Fire, yet another late-year wildfire fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, has left a trail of destruction as officials confirmed seven structures destroyed and eight damaged.
Evacuations have displaced thousands of residents, including celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke and Cher.
Malibu mayor Doug Stewart called it a “traumatic 20 hours” for the city, as emergency operations relocated to Calabasas after the city hall was threatened.
"It burns, it grows back, and we're resilient," Mr Stewart said.
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze with many roads closed and others under security patrols.
At Pepperdine University, 3,000 students sheltered in place as smoke and embers engulfed the campus. “Ash was everywhere, embers were everywhere,” said a student, Bethany Kronlund.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Meteorologists warned that even though the strongest winds have passed the danger remained on Wednesday, especially in the hilly areas.
Newsom acknowledges wildfire season is ‘year-round’ in California
There are 866 personnel working on the Franklin Fire, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference.
The Democratic leader said the brush fire proved that fire season is not a season in the state.
“It’s year-round in the state of California ... We’re in the middle of December and yet we’re experiencing yet another wildfire in southern California,” he said.
This year, more than 7,900 fires have burned over a million acres across California.
Local state of emergency declared in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County officials declared a local state of emergency on Tuesday.
The declaration would unlock additional resources for the county and expedite its ability to address immediate needs as well as work on recovery.
“This wildfire poses a serious threat in our County and the safety of our residents is our top priority,” said County Board Chair Kathryn Barger. “By signing this emergency proclamation, we are ensuring that local authorities have the support they need to respond effectively to protect Malibu and surrounding areas.”
Franklin Fire has stretched over more than 2,700 acres
Cal Fire reports that Malibu’s Franklin Fire has spread over 2,713 acres.
See it: Planes scoop up ocean water to fight Malibu’s Franklin Fire
Celebrities are evacuated from their homes
Actor Dick Van Dyke, 98, was among residents evacuated from their homes due to the wildfire.
“Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving,” he wrote on Facebook. “We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”
Bobo is Van Dyke’s orange cat.
Oscar winner Mira Sorvino announced that she had also evacuated overnight.
“All my Malibu friends and neighbors I pray that you are safe,” she said. “We evacuated in the middle of the night, kids and pets all accounted for! Scary times!!”
The famous singer Cher was also evacuated to a hotel on Monday night with her pets, her publicist Liz Rosenberg told The New York Times.
A request for comment from Rosenberg was not immediately returned.
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