MALIBU, Calif. — The situation around the Franklin Fire is starting to improve, thanks to calmer winds and rising humidity sweeping across Southern California. Firefighters are making strides as they ascend the challenging terrain to combat this blaze, which has already forced thousands to evacuate from Malibu, home to both locals and celebrities alike.
On Thursday, the weather provided some much-needed relief, prompting meteorologists to lift all red flag warnings previously issued due to high fire danger. CalFire Assistant Chief Dusty Martin shared, "With the conditions getting significantly more manageable, we’ve seen our teams have 'a lot of success' battling the blaze, even as they navigate some of the steepest and most rugged areas of the state." This marks a turn of fortune, especially after numerous communities faced uncertainty and fear.
Despite these positive developments, approximately 20,000 residents remained under evacuation orders as the Franklin Fire, covering over 4,037 acres, was only about 7% contained. The fire has ravaged through Malibu, known for its breathtaking coastlines and celebrity residences, leaving officials and residents grappling with the aftermath.
Reports indicate the origins of this devastating blaze remain unclear. Damage assessments have confirmed the destruction of nine structures with at least six more compromised, though firefighters have only had the chance to survey about 25% of the impacted area, according to Deputy Chief Albert Yanagisawa of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The fire ignited shortly before 11 p.m. on Monday and rapidly advanced southward, quickly jumping the renowned Pacific Coast Highway, engulfing everything—horse farms, homes, and even Pepperdine University, where students were forced to stay on campus and shelter-in-place for multiple days.
Lonnie Vidaurri, whose home was among those destroyed, evacuated with his family to Santa Monica. He shared heartbreakingly, "It's pretty torched all around... I expect my girls’ pet bunnies didn’t make it. They cried, obviously, but it could have been worse for us."
Adding to the chaos were scenes of sheer panic. Many evacuees, as relayed by Red Cross spokesperson Mimi Teller, found themselves fleeing with little more than their pajamas, clearly unprepared for such stark evacuations. "Nobody even had a backpack, it was literally ‘Get out now!’" Teller recounted, highlighting the urgent and unexpected nature of the crisis.
Even shuttered homes of celebrities like Cher and Dick Van Dyke stood vulnerable to the flames. Cher had to evacuate, with her publicist confirming she is currently residing at a hotel, and Van Dyke shared his near escape on NBC’s "Today." He explained, "I was trying to crawl to the car. Exhausted, I couldn’t get up, and three neighbors came and carried me out." The 98-year-old entertainer’s story was just one of many showcasing the brave acts of kindness observed among neighbors.
Meanwhile, some residents chose to stand against the flames, determined to save their property. Alec Gellis, who lived near the coast, became proactive as he used water pumps from his pool to douse surrounding vegetation, preventing the encroaching flames from reaching his home. Despite being under considerable threat with flames within mere feet of him, Gellis managed to create enough barriers to protect his surroundings.
Utilities proactively shut down power for several Southern California homes and businesses starting on Monday evening, fearing the strong winds, which peaked at 40 mph. Those safety measures offered some peace of mind, but unfortunately left many communities—including parts of Malibu—without power. By Thursday morning, reports indicated most regions had been restored, except for pockets still grappling with outages.
Reflecting on the fire's origins, many Malibuites recalled the Woolsey Fire of 2018, which ravaged much of the area, causing fatalities and massive destruction. Such trauma continues to resonate within the community as they face yet another threat.
For now, as conditions appear to shift positively for firefighting efforts, residents remain hopeful. Firefighters have expressed optimism as they press on with their courageous battle, climbing through steep canyons, determined to save homes and lives amid nature's fury. The community’s spirit remains unbroken, even as they navigate the uncertainties of recovery and rebuilding.
The battle is far from over, but as we continue to watch the Franklin Fire’s impacts, one thing is clear: the resilience of Malibu and its people stands strong through dire times. They face challenges with courage and fortitude, embodying the spirit of this beloved coastal town. This narrative of survival, community, and strength showcases what it truly means to stand together even when facing the flames of uncertainty and despair.
