A wildfire driven by strong winds ignited near Los Angeles on Tuesday, leading to evacuations for some Malibu residents as the fire encroached on homes, interrupted power supply, and caused road closures in the area. The fire, named the Franklin Fire, expanded dramatically from five acres to approximately 2,713 acres overnight, spreading southward across the Pacific Coast Highway in the coastal community of about 10,000 residents.

As of now, the fire is completely uncontained, having destroyed a small number of homes without resulting in any reported injuries or fatalities, according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. Marrone emphasized the urgency of the situation, mentioning a coordinated effort involving 1,000 firefighters working on the ground and in the air to combat the flames due to the challenging terrain.

The cause of the fire is still undetermined. Sheriff Robert Luna noted that around 2,043 structures are currently under evacuation orders, with an additional 6,046 under evacuation warnings.

Among those evacuating was actor Dick Van Dyke, who shared on social media that he, his wife, and pets had left the area, expressing hope for the survival of their Serra Retreat community. Local resident Fred Roberts conveyed the seriousness of the fire, describing the intense winds that felt like a “blowtorch.”

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has secured a FEMA grant to support firefighting efforts. Authorities have been actively notifying residents and implementing road closures as the fire spreads.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, indicating elevated fire risks due to Santa Ana winds, which are expected to reach gusts of up to 65 miles per hour. Although the warning will remain in place through Wednesday, some forecasts predict lighter winds in the following days.

Pepperdine University in Malibu has lifted its shelter-in-place order, allowing students to return to their residences but advising them to remain on campus and avoid roads. University President Jim Gash confirmed that the campus, designed with fire safety considerations, experienced minimal damage, with no injuries reported among the campus community.

Overall, while the situation remains serious, the coordinated efforts of emergency responders and community resilience provide hope for those affected by this wildfire.

Summary: A wildfire in Malibu has prompted evacuations as it threatens homes and infrastructure. The blaze, fueled by strong winds, has engulfed over 2,700 acres but has not led to casualties so far. Emergency services are actively working to control the fire while local authorities issue evacuation orders and warnings. Community resilience shines through as residents, including notable personalities like Dick Van Dyke, come together during this challenging time.