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Residents of the southern California city of Malibu have been forced to flee their homes after another late-year wildfire fanned by strong winds and warm weather tore across the area.
The Franklin Fire started shortly before 11 p.m. on Monday, and has since spread over more than 2,700 acres, forcing more than 6,000 people to evacuate their homes. Actor Dick Van Dyke, 98, was one of those residents.
Singer Cher was also evacuated to a hotel with her pets, her publicist Liz Rosenberg told The New York Times.
The cause of the brush fire remains under investigation.
More than 800 personnel were working to fight the fire, according to Governor Gavin Newsom.
There have been no reports of serious injuries or deaths, and officials said Tuesday that a “minimal” number of homes had been destroyed. It was not immediately clear how many had burned, but thousands of structures were in the evacuation zone.
The fire, which started around Pepperdine University, was moving south. Final examinations at the school were postponed and all Malibu schools were closed until further notice. The university lifted its shelter in place order.
Red flag warning warnings were in effect through Wednesday.
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.
Julia Musto10 December 2024 21:22
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.”
Julia Musto10 December 2024 21:04
See it: Planes scoop up ocean water to fight Malibu’s Franklin Fire
Julia Musto10 December 2024 20:40
Celebrities were 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.”
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.
Julia Musto10 December 2024 20:37
