A rapidly spreading wildfire has swept through the southern California community of Malibu on Tuesday, putting over 1,500 firefighters to work to bring it under control.
Warning issued Firefighters at work
Forecaster warned of extremely critical fire weather conditions, forcing thousands to evacuate as the wildfire threatened Malibu homes. On Tuesday, during a news conference, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that the fire, which is zero percent contained, has destroyed a small number of homes but hasn’t caused any injuries or death. He added that 300 additional firefighters would assist the 700 already working to control the blaze.
Remnants of a home
After the blaze swept through, the remnants of a home remained in Malibu.
Franklin Fire spreads
Santa Ana winds and extremely low humidity are worsening the conditions as firefighters are tackling the fast-moving Franklin Fire, which grew overnight from five acres to 2,713 acres along the steep mountainous terrain and spreading south over the Pacific Coast Highway in the scenic coastal city of about 10,000 people.
A stabled destroyed
As the Franklin Fire expanded on Dec. 10, a stable was destroyed. According to Los Angeles County officials, at least seven structures were destroyed in the blaze.
Satellite image showing helicopter taking water from a pond
The satellite image shows a helicopter scooping water from a pond at Alumni Park during the Franklin Fire near Pepperdine University, which advised people in some areas to stay indoors due to a power outrage.
Firefighters spraying water
In the picture, firefighters are seen spraying water during the Franklin Fire. Evacuation orders were issued for about 20,000 residents.
Malibu homes for many celebrities
The satellite image shows smoke rising over buildings in Malibu, which is a popular area for celebrities, with homes owned by stars like Lady Gaga, Jay Z and Beyonce, were reportedly among those in the evacuation zone.
Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke Shares on FB
Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke took to Facebook and revealed that he and his wife Arlene were safely evacuated along with their pets, except for one cat named Bobo, which remains missing.
Burning trees and scorched car
Here are some pictures of burning trees and scorched car as fire tore ravaged Malibu overnight, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Helicopter drops water
A helicopter can be seen dropping water on a burning mountainside during the Franklin Fire. Climate change plays a significant role in contributing to more days of extreme fire weather conditions in the Southwest.
High fire danger remains
In a forecast discussion late Tuesday, the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office said that although the strongest winds have passed, breezy northeast winds are still occurring, with higher winds in the Santa Susana Mountains. Also, it has to be noted that critical fire weather conditions were expected to continue through Wednesday.
Firefighter monitoring a burning hillside
On Tuesday night, a firefighter is seen watching a burning hillside near Pepperdine University in Malibu.
Pepperdine school officials released a statement saying that the University Campus is not affected by the fire. But the Malibu Campus and local area may face power outages due to this incident. However, at 1.10 am, as fire continued to advance towards the university, the administration issued a shelter-in-place order. All classes and finals were canceled at Pepperdine on Tuesday due to the fire.
Due to power outages, road closures and ongoing evacuations, all Malibu schools remain shut until 12 December. Also, infrastructure like the Pacific Coast Highway is partially shut down to assist evacuation efforts.
