A rapidly moving and highly dangerous wildfire is raging across Malibu, forcing 20,000 residents to flee as flames have now scorched over 3,000 acres and is 0 percent contained the state fire agency said on Tuesday evening.
The Franklin Fire, which has been fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds has left a trail of destruction on homes, horse farms and Pepperdine University, with Malibu mayor Doug Stewart having described the period as a “traumatic 20 hours,” for the city.
Over 1,500 firefighters are battling the blaze. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is being investigated by officials.
Newsweek has reached out to the L.A. County Fire Department outside of normal working hours via email for comment.
Mario Tam/Getty Images
The fire ignited just before 11 p.m. local time on Monday. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have forecast days of extreme fire behavior amid the dry, windy weather, prompting warnings across much of Southern California.
Where is the Malibu Fire right now?
A 3D interactive map from the California Department of Forestry and Fire shows the active perimeter of the fire. The fire is currently raging across the Malibu area, with surrounding areas under evacuation orders.
Where is the Franklin Fire predicted to hit next?
Evacuation orders are in place for points south of Piuma Road, east of Puerco Canyon Road and west of Los Flores Canyon Road.
Areas including Tuna Canyon Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation, Oak Hill and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are currently all under evacuation warnings.
Mario Tam/Getty Images
How long is the Franklin Fire estimated to continue?
The Santa Ana winds are predicted to die down on Thursday, but meteorologists have warned that more fires may ignite before this.
Which celebrities have been evacuated?
Much of the devastation brought by the Franklin Fire has been in Malibu, an area on the western side of Los Angeles that is a community of around 10,000 people.
The fire has burned near celebrities’ homes. Cher, and the actor Dick Van Dyke and his wife have been evacuated from their homes.
What is a fire evacuation zone?
A fire evacuation zone is a designated area which is at risk of being affected by a wildfire, and residents of this area may be instructed to leave for their safety. These zones are defined by emergency management officials as being based on wildfire behavior, weather conditions and proximity to communities. These zones help authorities to prioritize safety, manage traffic and coordinate emergency responses.
An evacuation warning means that residents should prepare to leave if conditions worsen, while an evacuation order means that residents must leave immediately due to imminent danger and a threat to life.
Mario Tam/Getty Images
What is a red flag warning?
The National Weather Service will issue a red flag warning to indicate that weather conditions may lead to the rapid spread of wildfires. These warnings are triggered by a combination of factors, including low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation. They are designed to alert firefighters and the public to exercise caution.
Any spark can lead to a fast-moving blaze. Activities like outdoor burning or operating machinery that could cause sparks are often discouraged during these warnings.
Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
