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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
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.
Pepperdine University President Jim Gash says there have been no injuries among faculty, students and staff
Pepperdine University President Jim Gash wrote in a Tuesday afternoon update that the Franklin Fire had caused “little damage” to the school’s campus.
“We are profoundly grateful to the heroic firefighters and emergency personnel working tirelessly throughout the night to protect the lives and property at Pepperdine and in Malibu,” he said. “We also extend our deepest appreciation to our students, faculty, and staff for their cooperation and camaraderie during this unexpected challenge.”
Images show Malibu wildfire’s destructive power
Franklin Fire has stretched over more than 2,600 acres
Cal Fire reports that Malibu’s Franklin Fire has spread over 2,667 acres.
City of Malibu says its updates will be shared on these two platforms
This Malibu resident stayed to help firefighters despite evacuation orders
A Malibu resident that stayed to protect his property despite evacuation orders is speaking out on Tuesday.
“When you’re in Malibu and you’ve been through a couple of fires, you know you have to stay because the embers [can] float a mile and land on a roof or a lawn and you can put it out with a garden hose,” Alec Gellis told KTLA.
Just one other person stayed with him, he told the station. Gellis said that they “saved five houses” in his neighborhood.
“The firefighters did an incredible job. It’s amazing. They showed up and they were everywhere. Starting at maybe 11 pm, so many fire trucks driving around. I mean, the whole entire hillside was on fire … The whole backside of this canyon looks like Utah now,” he recalled.
Nearly all Californians live in counties with high or very high fire risk to homes, nonprofit says
California Highway Patrol closes stretch of Pacific Coast Highway until further notice
The state agency also reported that strong winds in the state had overturned mutliple big rigs near San Diego.
Red flag conditions will continue throughout week, Cal Fire warns
Cal Fire warned that red flag conditions would continue across much of Southern California throughout the week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments