Official investigation reports or statements from relevant authorities

Franklin Fire in Malibu Forces 20,000 Residents, Including Celebrities, to Evacuate as Arson Investigated

Dec 11, 2024, 10:45 AM

A rapidly spreading wildfire, known as the Franklin Fire, has engulfed over 3,000 acres in the Malibu area of Southern California, leading to the evacuation of approximately 20,000 residents, including 6,000 people directly affected by the evacuation orders. The fire has destroyed multiple structures, including homes, and has forced celebrities like Dick Van Dyke and Cher to flee their residences. The Los Angeles Fire Department reports that the fire remains 0% contained, with more than 1,000 first responders from various agencies working to control the blaze. The fire has also led to power outages affecting over 40,000 people in the region. Pepperdine University students have been sheltering in the library as the fire rages outside. Authorities are investigating arson as a possible cause of the fire, which has already burned through 2,200 acres in less than 24 hours.