A wildfire is spreading rapidly today in Malibu, near celebrity home, with flames threatening buildings and prompting evacuations, local authorities said.
The “Franklin fire” (Franklin fire) broke out last night and quickly spread in this city of California, in the western US, having already burned more than 7,300 acres, according to the Cal Fire service.
Sheriff’s deputies went door-to-door before dawn today ordering residents to evacuate as flames came dangerously close, threatening homes in this coastal community.
Nearby Pepperdine University announced to X that it had suspended its classes and exams for today. Students were forced to remain there overnight as the fire caused a power outage and some students took refuge in the dining hall and library.
In a video released by local media, smoke and fire can be seen rising in front of a library, where masked students have taken refuge.
“At the moment, it seems that the greatest danger from the fire has passed. Everything burning around us is like smaller fires in low vegetation,” university student Nick Gerding told CNN from the library, where he took refuge with 400 other students.
California: Footage from inside the Pepperdine University Library as the Franklin Fire moved it’s way upslope in Malibu. Students remained safe inside.
The fire continues to burn this morning. I’ve worked on Malibu fires years ago. When our…
— The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake)
Evacuation orders were issued for areas along the picturesque seaside town of 10,000 after the fire, which started overnight, spread to 7,370 acres and spread south over the Pacific Coast Highway.
Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department battled the flames, while county sheriff’s deputies went door-to-door urging residents to evacuate their homes.
Malibu has opened shelters and authorities cut power to the entire city, it said in an online post early this morning.
For its part, the US Weather Service has issued a red alert for the region, with wind gusts possibly reaching 129 km/h, describing the situation as “extremely dangerous”.
Many Hollywood celebrities live on this coast, one of the most popular areas of California.
🚨Breaking: Franklin Fire is out of control in Malibu Canyon. The state issued an evacuation order!
— Dortie (@24SevenEyes)
