Improved weather conditions in Southern California allowed more than 3,700 Malibu residents to return home on Thursday after the Franklin Fire, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds earlier in the week, forced thousands to evacuate. Despite the progress, another 1,600 residents remain under evacuation orders as firefighters continue battling the blaze, which has burned roughly 6.3 square miles (16.3 square kilometers) and is only 20% contained.
Weather Brings Relief
The Santa Ana winds that drove the fire earlier in the week have eased, and rising humidity is helping firefighters push back against the flames. Meteorologist Mike Wofford from the National Weather Service noted that a developing sea breeze is further improving conditions in the fire zone. Red flag warnings for high fire danger have been lifted.
Impact of the Blaze
- Casualties and Damage: Four homes have been destroyed, and six others have been damaged, though officials have only assessed about 25% of the affected area, according to Deputy Chief Eleni Pappas of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
- Pepperdine University: Flames reached the perimeter of the campus, where students sheltered in place earlier in the week. An initial survey found little structural damage, though final exams have been postponed or canceled.
- Community Impact: Beyond residential losses, businesses in Malibu have suffered due to power outages, leaving restaurants with spoiled food and workers temporarily out of jobs.
Evacuation Experiences
Residents faced harrowing evacuations as the fire spread rapidly.
- Lonnie Vidaurri, a Malibu Knolls resident, said his family lost most of their belongings and their pet bunnies. “My girls cried, obviously, but it could have been worse,” he said.
- At shelters, evacuees arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs. “It was, ‘Get out now,’” said Red Cross spokesperson Mimi Teller.
Several celebrities with homes in Malibu were also forced to evacuate:
- Cher: Evacuated early in the week and stayed at a hotel.
- Jane Seymour: Described the fires as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability.
- Dick Van Dyke: The 99-year-old actor was carried out by neighbors after exhausting himself trying to escape. They later returned to extinguish a fire in his guesthouse.
Utilities and Prevention
In a preventative measure, Southern California Edison cut power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses on Monday night to minimize risks of electrical equipment sparking fires. By Thursday, power had been restored to all customers. However, the cause of the Franklin Fire remains under investigation, with officials not yet confirming whether Edison equipment played a role.
A Community United
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart emphasized the broader impact of the fire, saying, “This is a tragedy that goes beyond our personal residences.” As recovery efforts continue, the community is rallying to support those affected.
