A fierce wildfire, driven by relentless Santa Ana winds, tore through Malibu overnight, incinerating seven structures and threatening thousands of lives. The Franklin Fire, which erupted late Monday near Malibu Canyon Road, expanded to 2,850 acres by Tuesday, leaving firefighters scrambling to contain its fury.
Evacuations Amid Chaos
Nearly 20,000 residents faced evacuation orders as flames surged across Pacific Coast Highway, igniting hillsides and sending embers swirling into Malibu’s iconic skyline. Among the displaced were celebrities like Dick Van Dyke, who narrowly escaped, praying for his missing cat. Meanwhile, students at Pepperdine University sheltered in place, their campus encircled by fire.
Heroes on the Line
Over 1,500 firefighters battled relentless gusts and arid conditions to build containment lines, while helicopters and air tankers worked through the night. “The entire fire area remains under threat,” warned LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, urging residents to preserve water pressure for firefighting efforts.
Stories of Survival
Residents recounted harrowing escapes as flames devoured cars, homes, and even beloved pets. Alec Gellis, a local hero, stayed behind to fight spot fires with a pool pump, while others fled with livestock and scant belongings, casting an eerie glow across the city as they drove away from the inferno.
A Grim Reminder
Governor Gavin Newsom called the blaze another stark warning of California’s relentless wildfire season. With wind gusts still a threat and the region under red flag alerts, Malibu remains on edge, bracing for what comes next.
