Houses piled up,no electricity,evacuations – a forest fire is raging in the Californian coastal town of Malibu. Due to strong winds, the fire department is almost without power. Many residents were shocked by the flames – including many celebrities.
In the Californian coastal town of Malibu, the flames of the forest fire have spread from the hilly hinterland to the beaches.According to the city management, parts of the famous Pacific Coast highway are closed
Thousands of families are without electricity. Pepperdine University also reported on the X messaging service that several buildings on the Malibu campus were currently being operated only by generators. Students and staff were asked to find shelter. schools were still closed on Tuesday.
A firefighter extinguishes the last embers of a house destroyed by the “Franklin Fire” in Malibu.
more than 1,500 firefighters battled the rapidly spreading forest fire along the Pacific coast. The “Franklin fire” started late Monday evening (local time). According to the fire department, it quickly spread to an area of more than 1,100 hectares. At first the flames could not be contained.
Evacuations ordered
About 20,000 citizens are affected by evacuation orders or warnings, said Jennifer Seeto of the Los Angeles County Police Department. There were no reports of injuries or deaths. Authorities initially did not provide any information on damage. photos and videos from news channels showed burnt and charred houses.
Many famous people are also influential
malibu, about 50 kilometers west of Los Angeles, is known as the home of many movie stars. “Scary times,” Oscar winner Mira Sorvino wrote on the X platform.
singer Cher left her home and stayed in a hotel with her pet,a spokesperson for the singer and actress said,according to the New York Times. Actor Dick Vand Dyke wrote on Facebook that he and his wife took their animals to safety from these “terrible fires”.
Strong winds fan flames
The cause of the fire is not known at first. the flames were quickly spread by the strong Santa Ana winds, which occur mainly in the fall and winter.Drought also promoted the spread. Wind speeds of more than 60 kilometers
In november 2018, a huge fire broke out across Malibu, ravaging larger areas and destroying more than 1,500 homes, including famous villas. The houses of the presenter Thomas Gottschalk, the US singer Miley Cyrus and the actor Gerard Butler, among others, were burned.
there are only a handful of surfers on the beach in Malibu right now.in the background, the smoke caused by the forest fires casts everything in an orange light.
In the face of climate change, experts warn that fires are becoming more frequent and more destructive. Just in November, a violent forest fire - also fueled by Santa Ana winds – destroyed many homes in southern California.
Reinhard Spiegelhauer, ARD Los Angeles, tagesschau, December 11, 2024 5:43 pm
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Forest Fire Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the devastating forest fire currently raging in Malibu.for our readers, could you explain what factors contribute to the rapid spread of fires like the one we’re seeing with the “Franklin Fire”?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The rapid spread of forest fires, such as the “Franklin Fire” in Malibu, can be attributed to several factors.First and foremost, strong winds play a significant role in pushing the flames across landscapes. This particular fire has escalated due to gusty winds which have made it difficult for firefighters to contain it. Additionally, ongoing drought conditions and the accumulation of dry vegetation create a perfect storm for fires to ignite and spread.
Editor: It’s alarming to hear that the fire is affecting vital services like electricity and that schools have been closed. What are the immediate impacts on the community?
Expert: Indeed, the impacts are multifaceted. Thousands of families in the area are without electricity,which complicates their situation further. Schools closing has a major impact on education and community services. It’s also worth noting that the psychological impact on residents, especially families, is significant.Many are forced to evacuate their homes in the face of threatening flames, leading to uncertainty and distress.
Editor: You mentioned evacuations. How does the evacuation process work during such emergencies, and what challenges do officials face?
Expert: Evacuations are critical to ensuring public safety. Officials frequently enough initiate evacuation orders based on fire forecasts and the proximity of the flames to populated areas.However, challenges may arise, such as traffic congestion on escape routes and ensuring that vulnerable populations, like the elderly or those without transportation, are safely evacuated. The unpredictability of fire behavior also complicates these decisions.
Editor: We’ve seen this disaster affecting a community known for its celebrity residents.Do you believe such high-profile incidents help raise awareness about forest fire risks in general?
Expert: Absolutely. Events like this often draw significant media attention, and when celebrities are involved, the coverage amplifies. It can lead to greater awareness about wildfire prevention and the need for robust fire management strategies. However, it’s vital that this awareness translates into action, such as community preparedness initiatives and improved infrastructure for fire prevention and response.
Editor: Speaking of preparedness, what measures can communities take to better protect themselves from forest fires in the future?
Expert: Good question. communities can implement various strategies. Creating defensible space around homes, where vegetation is cleared, can prevent flames from reaching buildings. Local governments should also invest in firebreaks and controlled burns, which can help manage underbrush. public education on emergency plans is critical; knowing when to evacuate and having a go-bag ready can save lives. Additionally, enhancing infrastructure to support firefighting efforts, like utilizing generators for power during outages, is crucial.
Editor: Thank you for your valuable insights. As we continue to monitor the situation in Malibu and other fire-prone areas, what can residents do immediately to ensure their safety in ongoing and future incidents like this?
Expert: The top priority should always be personal safety. Residents need to stay informed through local news and emergency services. Have a clear evacuation plan and ensure that your family knows the routes and points of contact. If you are in a high-risk area, sign up for local alerts and warnings. Additionally, make sure to prepare your home: have firefighting tools available, keep a supply of masks for smoke protection, and understand how to turn off utilities if required. In emergencies, every second counts.
Editor: Thank you so much for your time and for shedding light on this pressing issue. Our hopes are with the community in Malibu as they navigate through this disaster.
Expert: Thank you. It’s critically important to focus on recovery and resilience in the face of these challenges.