A fierce wildfire in Malibu, California, has resulted in charred homes and mass evacuations, with over 20,000 residents affected. The Pacific Coast Highway is partially closed, and thousands are experiencing power outages. With over 1,500 firefighters combating the blaze, which has scorched over 1,100 hectares, the situation remains critical. Strong Santa Ana winds are exacerbating the spread, raising concerns about increasing wildfire frequency due to climate change. Celebrities, including Mira Sorvino and Cher, have also been impacted.
Wildfire Devastation in Malibu
In the picturesque coastal town of Malibu, California, a fierce wildfire is wreaking havoc, leaving charred homes and widespread evacuations in its wake. With powerful winds at play, the local fire department finds itself struggling to control the flames that have rapidly spread from the hilly terrain right down to the beachside.
Evacuations and Power Outages
As the wildfire continues to rage, the iconic Pacific Coast Highway has been partially shut down, putting many homes at risk, especially those near the pier. Thousands of residents were taken by surprise, leading to an urgent mass evacuation overnight.
Currently, several thousand households are experiencing power outages, and Pepperdine University has reported that some of its campus facilities are relying on generators. Both students and staff have been advised to seek shelter as schools remain closed on Tuesday.
With over 1,500 firefighters on the ground, battling the ‘Franklin Fire’ that erupted late Monday evening, efforts to contain the blaze have faced significant challenges. The fire has already scorched over 1,100 hectares, and initial containment efforts were unsuccessful.
About 20,000 residents are under evacuation orders or warnings, according to authorities. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities, although images shared by news outlets show the devastation of burning and charred homes.
Malibu, well-known as a haven for numerous celebrities, has seen prominent figures affected by this disaster. Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino described the situation as “scary times” on social media, as she and her family evacuated their home in the middle of the night. Singer Cher is also among those who had to leave, relocating to a hotel with her pets, as confirmed by her spokesperson.
The cause of this wildfire remains undetermined, but the rapid spread of the flames has been exacerbated by the Santa Ana winds, which are particularly strong during the fall and winter months. Gusts exceeding 60 kilometers per hour were recorded on Tuesday morning, prompting the US Weather Service to issue a red alert for vast areas across Southern California.
Experts are increasingly concerned about the frequency and intensity of wildfires due to climate change, with recent history showing a troubling trend. Just last November, a similar wildfire, fueled by these same winds, led to extensive destruction in the region.
As Malibu grapples with the current crisis, only a handful of surfers can be seen braving the waters, while the ominous smoke from the fires casts an eerie orange hue over the beach.