The Franklin Fire exploded in size over the past two days, threatening homes in Malibu, the city north of Los Angeles known for its celebrity homes, and setting thousands of acres ablaze.
In less than 48 hours, the fire has set over 3,893 acres ablaze, according to CalFire. Much of Southern California remains under red flag warnings as Santa Ana Winds threaten to spread wildfires and make situations worsen quickly.
The fire was discovered Monday, just before 11 p.m. local time. The cause is under investigation.
Los Angeles County is one of the areas under a red flag warning, according to the National Weather Service. Areas like Filmore and Santa Clarita are in “very extreme fire danger.”
“Be careful with anything that can start a fire,” The NWS Los Angeles wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Residents in high fire risk areas, keep aware of your surroundings.”
Eye in the sky:Aerial video shows Franklin Fire threatening Malibu neighborhoods
Franklin Fire Map
In around 12 hours, the fire grew from 2,862 acres to 3,983 acres, according to CalFire.
Firefighters have 7% of the fire contained as of Wednesday morning.
Over 1,500 firefighters on the scene
Over 1,500 firefighters are responding to the fire, according to the City of Malibu. Over a dozen federal, state and local agencies are also responding.
“Their efforts are critical to protecting our community, and we thank them for their tireless bravery and dedication,” the city said in a statement.
Mark Hamill, Dick Van Dyke homes threatened
Neighborhoods threatened by the fire are under mandatory evacaution.
Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke, who will turn 99 this week, made a post on Facebook saying he safely evacuated his home. However the “Star Wars” icon Mark Hamill, 73, said he is in lockdown and sheltering in place.
“I’m not allowed to leave the house, which fits in perfectly with my elderly-recluse lifestyle,” he joked.
Cher and Barbra Streisand also live in the area, reported the New York Times. Cher’s publicist told the publication that she and her pets evacuated to a hotel on Monday.
Structures destroyed
Preliminary reports state that seven structures have been destroyed, and eight were damaged, according to the City of Malibu.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating event,” it stated.
No cell reception
People in the area of the fire may struggle to get cell reception, according to the city.
It asks that residents and those impacted tune into local radio stations like 99.1 FM KBUU to get updates on he fire.
Mandatory evacuations
The following areas are under mandatory evacuation, according to the city:
- East of Latigo Canyon
- West of Topanga Beach Driveway
- South of Baller Motorway, including the Big Rock and Las Flores Communities
Federal assistance grant
On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced California secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA.
The grant will “help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire burning in Malibu.”
“Fire officials and first responders are working relentlessly to protect lives and property from the Franklin Fire,” Newsom said in a statement. “California is grateful for this federal support, which bolsters these efforts. I urge all residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders.”
This story will be updated as more information is released.
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Terry Collins, Thao Nguyen, Cheri Carlson, Ernesto Centeno Araujo; USA TODAY
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected]
2024-12-11 13:51:32
