More than 700 firefighters battled the fast-spreading wildfire along the burning Pacific coast. The “Franklin Fire” broke out late Monday evening (local time). Thousands of people had to flee the affected areas overnight, including several celebrities such as singer Cher and ‘Mary Poppins’ legend Dick Van Dyke.
In the Californian coastal town of Malibu, flames from a forest fire have spread from the hilly hinterland to the beaches. According to the fire brigade, it quickly spread to an area of more than 1,100 hectares.
Houses on the pier in danger
According to city authorities, parts of the famous Pacific Coast Highway are closed. In the village, houses near the pier are also in danger.
No injuries reported
There were no reports of injuries or deaths. Authorities initially provided no information about the damage. Photos and videos from news channels showed burning and charred houses.
Pepperdine University is also located in the area. Students and employees were asked to find accommodation. Schools remained closed on Tuesday.
Malibu, about 30 miles west of Los Angeles, is known as the home of many movie stars. “Scary times,” wrote Oscar winner Mira Sorvino (57, “Beloved Aphrodite”) on the X platform. They had evacuated their home in the middle of the night with children and pets.
Cher fled with pets
Cher (78) also left her home and stayed in a hotel with her pets, the spokeswoman for the singer and actress said, according to the New York Times. Actor Dick Van Dyke (98) wrote on Facebook that he and his wife had brought their animals to safety from these ‘terrible fires’.
In November 2018, a major fire raged around Malibu, devastating large parts of the country and destroying more than 1,500 homes, including celebrity villas. The houses of presenter Thomas Gottschalk, American singer Miley Cyrus and actor Gerard Butler, among others, burned down.
In the face of climate change, experts warn that fires are becoming more common and destructive. As recently as November, a violent wildfire – also fueled by Santa Ana winds – destroyed scores of homes in Southern California.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
