Official reports from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)

Franklin Fire Burns 3,983 Acres, Forcing 20,000, Including Cher and Dick Van Dyke, to Evacuate Malibu

Dec 11, 2024, 04:55 PM

A wind-driven wildfire named the Franklin Fire is raging in Malibu, California, forcing the evacuation of up to 20,000 residents, including celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke and Cher. The fire has burned over 3,983 acres with only 7% containment as of Wednesday morning. It started at 11:54 p.m. on Monday and has destroyed seven structures and damaged nine others. Strong Santa Ana winds have fueled the blaze, threatening homes and prompting the closure of all public schools. More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the flames, and weather conditions are expected to improve this week, which may aid in containment efforts. Pepperdine University was also threatened, but the school enacted its shelter-in-place plan.