A wildfire in Malibu has left thousands of people, including Hollywood celebrities, evacuated for safety, as firefighters worked to extinguish homes and save homes from the blaze in the West. expanded to.
At least seven buildings are known to have been destroyed in one of California’s most exclusive areas as strong winds pushed the flames down a steep ravine.
About 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) have been scorched since the Franklin Fire broke out in the hills above Pepperdine University late Monday. The scene was captured on mobile phone cameras, with staff corralling the students into a fire-resistant building to keep them out of harm’s way.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone told reporters that by Wednesday morning, firefighters had achieved some containment and the fire had slowed to the east and north, but the area was not out of danger. and warned that a fire had broken out in the west. Fronts grow overnight.
“Weather conditions such as high winds and low humidity play a key role in fire behavior and will be closely monitored today,” he said. told reporters.
Marrone said red flag warnings, which are warnings for strong winds issued by meteorologists, are expected to remain in place for most of the day.
“The entire fire area remains under threat as long as these red flag weather conditions persist,” he said.
Correction: Fire risk remains high. This is the current status of red flags. PDS = Particularly Dangerous Situation, Very Extreme Fire Risk. Be careful of anything that can start a fire. Residents of areas with high fire risk should be aware of their surroundings. #FranklinFire pic.twitter.com/HRAF5U7dPO
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 10, 2024
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said about 20,000 people had been ordered or advised to leave their homes, and initial evacuations began shortly after the fire broke out, with deputies going door-to-door. Ta.
Actor Dick Van Dyke, who celebrates his 99th birthday on Friday, said on Facebook that he and his wife were evacuated from their Malibu home.
“Arlene and I evacuated safely with all the animals, except for the cat, which ran away when we left. We hope he is safe and that our community… survives this terrible fire.” Praying,” he wrote.
A short drive from major Hollywood studios, Malibu is home to some of the biggest names in show business, including Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Aniston, and Cher, as well as current and former residents. Masu.
climate change
Approximately 1,500 firefighters spread out to battle the blaze, and aircraft dumped water and flame retardant along the fire line.
Much of Malibu remained without power on Wednesday, complicating efforts to contact residents still in the area.
Wildfires are a feature of life in California, and are often made worse this time of year by the so-called Santa Ana winds, which blow in dry desert air from inland.
Scientists say climate change, accelerated by humanity’s unchecked burning of fossil fuels, is changing weather patterns, lengthening dry seasons and increasing the likelihood of destructive fires.
At the same time, decades of land management policies that emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to wildfires have left many rural areas overstocked with fuel, so when fires start, they burn hotter, faster and faster. It tends to be dangerous.
© Agence France-Presse
