Franklin Fire Forces Evacuations in Malibu, Threatening Homes and Community Resilience

MALIBU, Calif. — A fierce wildfire, dubbed the Franklin Fire, has wreaked havoc in Malibu, prompting evacuation orders and warnings affecting up to 20,000 residents, including notable figures such as Dick Van Dyke and Cher. The blaze erupted late Monday night and surged across more than 2,800 acres by Tuesday, fueled by relentless winds and dry conditions characteristic of the Santa Ana phenomenon. As firefighters battled the flames, the National Weather Service announced a slight reprieve, indicating that the most intense winds, which had gusted up to 40 mph, were subsiding. However, conditions remained precarious, with gusty winds expected to persist into Wednesday morning, particularly in mountainous regions. Fire officials continue to monitor the situation as critical fire conditions linger. The Franklin Fire has primarily affected Malibu—a community of around 10,000 residents known for its stunning coastline and celebrity homes. As the fire encroached, residents anxiously awaited news about their properties, many of which are located near popular attractions like Zuma Beach and Pepperdine University, where around 3,000 students were instructed to shelter in place. Students evacuated their dorms and made their way to the library as smoke filled the air and flames advanced nearby. Although the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary assessments indicated that at least seven structures were destroyed and eight more sustained damage. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart described the situation as traumatic, relocating city officials to Calabasas for emergency operations due to the fire's proximity. "This has been a traumatic 20 hours for the city of Malibu," he stated, acknowledging the community's experience with wildfires in the past. "It burns, it grows back, and we're resilient and strong." Among those forced to evacuate was Van Dyke, who, along with his wife Arlene Silver, fled their home with their pets. The couple expressed concern for a missing cat named Bobo, who escaped during the evacuation. "We're praying he'll be OK and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires," Van Dyke remarked. Similarly, Cher was evacuated from her residence and is currently staying at a hotel, as confirmed by her publicist. The fire ignited shortly before midnight on Monday and quickly spread southward, leaping over the iconic Pacific Coast Highway and threatening large coastal homes. Officials reported that at one stage, the fire posed a risk to the historic Malibu Pier, although the structure ultimately remained unscathed. In an effort to prevent further danger, power was cut to approximately 40,000 customers, including 11,000 in Los Angeles County, as Southern California Edison worked to protect its electrical infrastructure from the high winds known to spark wildfires. Amidst the celebrity evacuations, local leaders have expressed concern for lower- and middle-income families who also call Malibu home. Kasey Earnest, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu, emphasized the importance of supporting these communities, referring to them as "the heart of Malibu." As firefighters continue their efforts and residents await news about their homes, the Franklin Fire serves as a stark reminder of California's ongoing battle with wildfires, particularly in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing wind events. The community of Malibu, while resilient, faces yet another challenge in a landscape that has once again been charred by flames.