Weather conditions are forecasted to improve in Southern California, offering hope to firefighters battling the Franklin Fire, a fast-moving wildfire that has already forced the evacuation of up to 20,000 people, including celebrities such as Cher and actor Dick Van Dyke.
The fire erupted late Monday night, quickly consuming more than 2,800 acres within 24 hours, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. These dry, inland winds, infamous for fueling destructive wildfires, pushed flames across the Pacific Coast Highway and into the heart of Malibu, threatening homes, horse farms, and Pepperdine University, where 3,000 students sought refuge on campus.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart described the ordeal as a "traumatic 20 hours" for the city. The Malibu City Hall was relocated to Calabasas after falling in the fire's path. Preliminary aerial assessments reported by Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony C. Marrone indicate at least seven structures destroyed and eight others damaged.
Actor Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 this Friday, evacuated his Malibu home with his wife, Arlene Silver, and their pets, though one cat, Bobo, remains unaccounted for. "We’re praying for Bobo and for our community to survive these terrible fires,” Van Dyke said.
Cher also evacuated her Malibu residence, according to her publicist, Liz Rosenberg. She is currently staying in a hotel.
While Malibu is often associated with its wealthy celebrity residents, community leaders emphasize the toll on lower- and middle-class families, ranchers, and farmers who also call Malibu home. “These families are the heart of Malibu,” said Kasey Earnest, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu.
The National Weather Service reported late Tuesday that the strongest winds have passed, but gusty conditions remain, maintaining critical fire risks through Wednesday morning, particularly in mountainous areas.
Despite the dangers, firefighters managed to protect key landmarks, including the historic Malibu Pier, which was threatened at one point. Power remains out for approximately 40,000 customers, with Southern California Edison preemptively cutting electricity to prevent equipment-related sparks.
The cause of the Franklin Fire remains under investigation. Southern California Edison faced scrutiny after its equipment sparked the deadly Woolsey Fire in 2018, which devastated the region, killing three people and destroying 1,600 homes.
Malibu has endured numerous wildfires over the years, following a grim cycle of destruction and regrowth. "It burns, it grows back, and we’re resilient and strong," said Mayor Stewart.
As the community faces another round of challenges, residents, firefighters, and emergency crews remain united in their efforts to protect lives and property, holding out hope for relief from the unrelenting flames.