Malibu Franklin Fire: 20,000 Evacuated, 9 Structures Destroyed

Dec 12, 2024, 03:13 PM

A fast-moving wildfire, named the Franklin Fire, has scorched over 4,000 acres in Malibu, California, forcing the evacuation of approximately 20,000 residents, including celebrities like Dick Van Dyke, Cher, and Mira Sorvino. The fire, which started near Pepperdine University, has destroyed nine structures and damaged six others. Firefighters are making progress as weather conditions improve with cooler temperatures, calmer winds, and the possibility of rain. Despite these favorable conditions, containment efforts are expected to take several days. Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 on December 13, had to be carried to safety by neighbors after he exhausted himself trying to crawl to his car during the evacuation. His home and his cat, Bobo, survived the fire. The fire was fueled by the notorious Santa Ana winds, which have since weakened. The fire has also led to power outages in the area, with Southern California Edison restoring power to most customers by Thursday morning. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.