Franklin fire in Malibu explodes over 3,000 acres as Dick Van Dyke and Cher evacuated from their homes: Live
A red flag fire weather warning is in place in Malibu as 20,000 residents forced to flee
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A fast-moving wildfire has scorched over 3,000 acres in Malibu, forcing 20,000 residents to flee as flames advanced on homes, horse farms, and Pepperdine University.
The Franklin Fire, yet another late-year wildfire fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds, has left a trail of destruction as officials confirmed seven structures destroyed and eight damaged.
Evacuations have displaced thousands of residents, including celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke and Cher.
Malibu mayor Doug Stewart called it a “traumatic 20 hours” for the city, as emergency operations relocated to Calabasas after the city hall was threatened.
"It burns, it grows back, and we're resilient," Mr Stewart said.
More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze with many roads closed and others under security patrols.
At Pepperdine University, 3,000 students sheltered in place as smoke and embers engulfed the campus. “Ash was everywhere, embers were everywhere,” said a student, Bethany Kronlund.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Meteorologists warned that even though the strongest winds have passed the danger remained on Wednesday, especially in the hilly areas.
Nearly all Californians live in counties with high or very high fire risk to homes, nonprofit says
California Highway Patrol closes stretch of Pacific Coast Highway until further notice
The state agency also reported that strong winds in the state had overturned mutliple big rigs near San Diego.
Red flag conditions will continue throughout week, Cal Fire warns
Cal Fire warned that red flag conditions would continue across much of Southern California throughout the week.
Pepperdine University thanks community for remaining on campus as firefighters tackle spot fires
Wildfire smoke advisory is in effect
In an advisory, South Coast Air Quality Management District warned that smoke from the Franklin Fire could cause elevated PM2.5 in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County.
PM2.5 are inhalable particles than can be harmful to peoples’ health, affecting the lungs and heart.
The Franklin Fire has now spread nearly 2,600 acres
Cal Fire reports that the Malibu Franklin Fire has now spread over 2,593 acres.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments