A fast-moving wildfire in Malibu has burned more than 4,000 acres, forcing 20,000 residents to evacuate as flames race towards homes, horse farms and Pepperdine University.
The Franklin Fire was another year-end wildfire fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, with authorities confirming seven buildings were destroyed and nine damaged, leaving no trace of destruction. is left behind. Fire officials said it would take “several days” to extinguish the fire, according to NBC Los Angeles. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The region’s strongest winds have left and the fire danger has decreased, meteorologists said, which will help efforts to contain the fires. The evacuation has displaced thousands of residents, including celebrities Dick Van Dyke and Cher.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart called the relocation of emergency operations to Calabasas after City Hall was threatened “a traumatic 20 hours” for the city. “Even if we burn, even if we grow again, we will bounce back,” he said.
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze, with many roads closed and patrols in place. At Pepperdine University, 3,000 students were evacuated as smoke and embers engulfed the campus. “There was ash everywhere, embers everywhere,” said student Bethany Kronlund.
Photo: Firefighters and residents search the burnt remains of Malibu
james riddellDecember 12, 2024 13:00
Cal Fire crews are receiving relief as cold temperatures, calm winds and a chance of rain
Changing weather conditions in Southern California may bring a much-needed break to firefighters who continue to fight fires across the region.
This week’s forecast predicts cooler temperatures, calmer winds and a chance of precipitation for firefighters battling wind-driven fires in rugged terrain that have forced thousands of people from their homes in Malibu.
Improving weather conditions prompted meteorologists to suspend all red flag warnings on Wednesday.
CalFire Deputy Chief Dusty Martin said firefighters may be able to have “a lot of success” despite the nearly inaccessible terrain due to the weather.
james riddellDecember 12, 2024 12:00
Franklin fire will take “several days” to bring under control
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said it could take “several days” to fully extinguish the fire.
Firefighters are making steady progress and the Franklin Fire was 7% contained by Wednesday night due to changing weather patterns.
However, the challenge of Malibu Canyon still remains.
Once firefighters reach difficult-to-reach or remote areas, they will clear vegetation to prevent further spread of the fire, Cal Fire said.
james riddellDecember 12, 2024 11:00
A newlywed couple sheds tears after their new home burns down in a fire.
A newlywed couple in California was among those who lost their homes and all their possessions in the wildfires.
Michelle and Blake Geffen had recently moved into a rental property at Serra Retreat Community when they received a call from their landlord urging them to evacuate.
They jumped into a car with their cat and passport and fled the scorching heat of Malibu.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the couple discovered their home while watching the news and all of their belongings were destroyed.
“We heard screaming in the neighborhood, and we knew something was wrong. Then the landlord called and said, ‘There’s a fire, please go,'” Michelle said. told the news station.
Michelle added: “I just want to say a huge thank you to all the really, really brave men and women who are doing their best to fight. They are really, really, real heroes. It takes a lot of courage.
“It makes me cry. It makes me feel grateful. When that happens, I want to give back.”
james riddellDecember 12, 2024 10:30
WATCH: Santa Ana winds fuel Southern California’s dangerous Franklin Fire
Rachel SharpDecember 12, 2024 10:00
WATCH: Franklin Fire Spreads Rapidly in Malibu, California
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 09:00
Malibu residents say they were surrounded by fire
Malibu resident Alec Gellis described the moment his home was engulfed in flames from the Franklin Fire.
“I thought I was going to have to drive through a ring of fire to get out of here,” he said. newsweek.
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 08:00
Malibu residents say Franklin Fire ‘hit hard’ area
Malibu residents recall the moment they thought the Franklin Fire might not be a “big deal.”
“I was going to go back to check on their house, but I actually didn’t think it would be a big deal,” Malibu resident Fred Roberts said. Reuters.
“But after I saw everything burnt there, I knew it was real,” he said. “And that hit hard here.”
Julia MustoDecember 12, 2024 07:00
