Franklin Fire Engulfs Malibu, Forces Evacuations as Celebrities and Students Seek Safety

As a fierce wildfire dubbed the Franklin Fire rages through Malibu, California, evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for up to 20,000 residents, including high-profile celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke and Cher. The fire, which erupted late Monday, has rapidly spread to over 2,800 acres within just 24 hours, prompting an urgent response from local authorities and the firefighting community. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service reported that the strongest Santa Ana winds, which have historically exacerbated fire conditions, were subsiding. These winds, known for their dry, powerful gusts that can reach up to 40 mph, had previously fueled the flames, pushing the fire dangerously close to populated areas, including luxury homes and Pepperdine University. Despite the improvement in weather conditions, gusty winds were expected to persist, maintaining critical fire risks. The fire's path has been devastating, particularly in Malibu, a picturesque coastal community famed for its stunning ocean views and celebrity residences. The blaze has not only endangered homes but also disrupted lives, forcing approximately 3,000 students at Pepperdine University to seek shelter on campus amidst the chaos. Many students evacuated from their dormitories to the library, navigating through smoke and ash as the flames threatened their safety. The cause of the Franklin Fire remains under investigation, but preliminary assessments indicate significant damage, with seven structures destroyed and eight others impacted. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart described the situation as "traumatic" for the community, highlighting the city's ongoing battle with wildfires and the cycles of destruction and renewal that characterize the region's natural landscape. Celebrities like Van Dyke, who is soon to celebrate his 99th birthday, expressed their concern from evacuation sites, emphasizing their hope that their homes—and the community—will endure this latest crisis. Van Dyke, accompanied by his wife, Arlene Silver, managed to evacuate with their pets, though one of their cats, Bobo, escaped during the chaos. Cher, similarly, was forced to leave her residence and is currently staying at a hotel. As the flames threatened iconic landmarks like the historic Malibu Pier, firefighters worked tirelessly to protect both natural and cultural resources. Power outages affected around 40,000 customers, including more than 11,000 in Los Angeles County, as electric companies took precautionary measures in response to the potentially hazardous wind conditions that can spark wildfires. While Malibu is often associated with wealth and celebrity, community leaders like Kasey Earnest of the Boys and Girls Club have highlighted the plight of lower- and middle-class families, ranchers, and farmers who form the heart of the community. Earnest's comments remind the public that the impact of such disasters reaches far beyond the famous faces often seen in the headlines. As firefighters continue to battle the flames and residents anxiously await updates on their properties, the resilience of Malibu's community shines through, reflecting a steadfast determination to recover and rebuild from yet another devastating wildfire.