The Franklin Fire continues to spread through Malibu, California, so far burning over 3,000 acres and causing celebrities to flee from their mansions.
The fire, which broke out on Monday near Malibu Canyon Road has led to evacuations of about 20,000 residents, including celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke and Cher.
With strong Santa Ana winds fueling the blaze, firefighters are battling extreme conditions.
As of Wednesday morning night, the fire was still 0 per cent contained, with dangerous conditions expected to continue throughout the day.
Follow our live coverage of the Malibu wildfires.
Emergency responders, including over 1,500 firefighters, have so far been deployed to the scene, using both ground and aerial strategies to control the flames.
The fire’s erratic behaviour, driven by gusts of up to 40mph, has challenged containment efforts.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the region, with meteorologists predicting that critical fire conditions will persist through Wednesday. Low humidity adds to the risk of flare-ups or new fires, though wind speeds are expected to drop below 20mph by Wednesday afternoon.
Real time maps from California Fire Department show how the blaze has spread to over 3,000 acres of land – an area twice the size of Central Park.
Pepperdine University, located near the fire’s origin, implemented a shelter-in-place protocol for its 3,000 students as flames approached the campus. Students were evacuated to safer areas on-site, including the library, as smoke and embers filled the air.
“It felt super apocalyptic,” said junior Abigail Ballhagen. While parts of the campus were singed, university officials confirmed no major damage, though classes and final exams were canceled as a precaution.
Evacuations extended to Malibu Canyon and parts of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which was partially closed to traffic. Residents in affected areas scrambled to leave as smoke blanketed neighborhoods and ash rained down.
Power outages compounded the situation, leaving thousands without electricity during evacuation efforts Monday night.
The fire briefly threatened the historic Malibu Pier before firefighters secured the area. Serra Retreat, home to several celebrities, is among the neighborhoods under threat.
Actor Dick Van Dyke evacuated from the area but shared on social media that his cat, Bobo, escaped during the chaos.
“We’re praying he’ll be ok,” Van Dyke wrote, adding that he hopes the community will recover from these “terrible fires.”
The fire is one of several burning in California this season, with a total of 7,909 wildfires burning a cumulative 1,047,576 acres in 2024 so far.
At its peak, the Franklin Fire burned so intensely that it altered wind patterns, pushing the flames into previously unaffected areas.
Looking ahead, forecasters predict a gradual shift in weather patterns that may aid firefighting efforts.
By Thursday, higher humidity and ocean breezes are expected to lower the risks of fire. Light rain is even possible later in the week, offering a glimmer of hope for exhausted firefighters and displaced residents.
