The devastating wildfire has led to the evacuation of thousands of residents, including the renowned actor Dick Van Dyke. The 98-year-old star and his wife were among those who had to flee their home just days before his 99th birthday. “Arlene and I have evacuated safely with our animals, except for Bobo, who escaped as we were leaving,” he shared on social media. “We are hopeful that he will be safe and that our community at Serra Retreat will withstand this tragic fire.”
The fire also prompted a shelter-in-place order at Pepperdine University on Tuesday. According to the FOX Forecast Center, the fire was likely caused by human activity as no lightning was detected in the area when it started. Firefighters were alerted to the wildfire shortly before 11 p.m. local time on Monday. Within a few hours, the fire spread rapidly, scorching over 4,000 acres by Thursday morning with only 7% containment.
As the wildfire raged on, the city of Malibu issued mandatory evacuation orders and warned residents about the approaching flames, which eventually crossed the Pacific Coast Highway. Around 6,300 individuals still remain evacuated as of Wednesday evening, officials reported.
A team assessing the damage has surveyed 25% of the affected area, identifying nine structures destroyed and six others damaged, as stated by Albert Yanagisawa, deputy chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Franklin Fire was also burning near Pepperdine University, where students and staff were advised to shelter in place at the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library.
Videos taken at Pepperdine University captured frightened students observing the fire surrounding the campus. University operations in Malibu were halted, and a shelter-in-place order was issued. Although some flames were still visible in parts of the campus by Tuesday evening, early assessments showed minimal damage to structures, with no reported injuries.
Ventura County fire helicopters were seen collecting water from a pond at Pepperdine University while battling the Franklin fire in Malibu. At the state level, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state had secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure critical resources for firefighting efforts.
Title: Franklin Fire Rages in Malibu, Threatening Lives and Property
The Franklin Fire continues its destructive path through Malibu, California, as brave fire officials and first responders battle tirelessly to safeguard both lives and property from its fiery wrath. Governor Newsom has expressed gratitude for the federal assistance that aids in bolstering the ongoing efforts to combat the raging inferno.
A crucial lifeline in this firefighting ordeal comes in the form of the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), which promises to provide essential support to local, state, and tribal agencies engaged in the tireless battle against the blaze. This grant offers a ray of hope by enabling eligible agencies to seek reimbursement of up to 75% of their fire suppression costs, alleviating some of the financial burden that accompanies such large-scale emergencies.
With the fire escalating in intensity, the landscape of the terrain plays a pivotal role in influencing the behavior of the wildfire. As heavy equipment labors to clear boulders amidst the mountainside inferno, the wildfire’s ferocity intensifies, posing a formidable challenge to containment efforts.
At a recent news conference, officials revealed the alarming statistic that approximately 18,000 individuals and over 8,000 structures are under threat within the fire-affected areas. Communities in the vicinity are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for potential evacuation orders as the situation unfolds.
Despite the dire circumstances, no significant injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the Franklin Fire. However, a vehicle belonging to the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department suffered damage in the line of duty, though the deputy remained unharmed—a testament to the risks faced by those on the front lines of the firefighting operation.
The battle against the Franklin Fire is compounded by the relentless onslaught of dangerous fire weather conditions, with Southern California gripped by strong Santa Ana winds and exceedingly dry air. The imminent threat of rapid fire spread looms large, necessitating a heightened state of readiness among residents and emergency responders.
While the winds are anticipated to slightly diminish in strength from the previous day, gusts of up to 55 mph could still fuel the rapid expansion of any emerging fires. The Fox Forecast Center warns of critically low relative humidity values, plunging into the single digits, exacerbating the fire risk in the region.
The peak of the fire threat is expected to coincide with Wednesday morning, aligning with an extremely arid air mass that engulfs the area. As the day progresses, a shift in atmospheric conditions is forecasted, as the high-pressure system responsible for driving the Santa Ana winds retreats eastward, loosening its grip on the region.
By Wednesday night, the winds are predicted to ease entirely, signaling a gradual decline in the fire danger that has held the region captive. The risk of new fires erupting lessens as the winds subside, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos and destruction wrought by the Franklin Fire.
