Actor Dick Van Dyke and Cher are among thousands of residents forced to evacuate their Malibu homes after the fast-moving Franklin Fire tore through the upscale Los Angeles area.
Officials say the fire started in Malibu Canyon around 10.50pm on Monday and has already burned more than 3,500 acres, destroying at least seven homes.
As of Wednesday morning, the blaze remained zero per cent contained, prompting a mandatory evacuation order for large parts of the area.
Officials have not determined the cause, but the region has been under a red-flag warning due to strong winds and dry conditions.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has described the situation as highly volatile.
A trail of devastation marks the fire’s path, with burnt-out cars, buses, and the skeletal remains of multimillion-dollar homes littering the area.
Malibu, a haven for celebrities, has seen several high-profile properties fall within the evacuation zone, including those owned by Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and other Hollywood stars.
Image:
Getty Images)Dick Van Dyke, the beloved Mary Poppins star, who turns 99 this week, revealed in a Facebook post that he and his wife, Arlene, escaped safely with their pets though one of their cats, Bobo, remains missing.
The blaze has heightened concerns among residents already dealing with the devastating impact of wildfires in the region.
The Woolsey Fire in 2018 scorched nearly 100,000 acres in Malibu, destroying hundreds of homes.
Cher, a longtime Malibu resident, has also reportedly left her home. Elsewhere, actress Jane Seymour confirmed she’s left her house.
Image:
Getty Images for Warner Music)Image:
CBS via Getty Images)Alongside several photos showing the sky red with smoke and fire, the Live and Let Die star wrote: “The fires in our community are a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.”
She added: “Thankfully, my family and I were able to evacuate safely, but my thoughts are with everyone who is still in harm’s way, the brave firefighters risking everything to protect us, and the many who call Malibu home.
“Let’s continue to support each other, stay informed, and remain hopeful
“Our community is strong, and together we’ll see through these challenging times.”
Fire crews are working to contain the fire, but officials warn that worsening winds could spread the flames further, threatening more homes and lives in the coming days.
English (US) ·