- The forest fire in the coastal town of Malibu in California continues to rage.
- More than 1,000 firefighters were also on duty on Tuesday afternoon (local time).
- Strong winds and hilly terrain made the work difficult, authorities said.
According to media reports, evacuations have affected at least 18,000 people, including celebrities such as singer Cher and actor Dick van Dyke.
According to the city administration, parts of the famous Pacific coast highway were closed. the “Franklin Fire” started late Monday evening (local time). So far the fire could not be contained.
Legend:
Keystone/JAE C. Hong
According to the Malibu administration, at least seven buildings have been destroyed so far. Photos and videos from news channels showed burnt and charred houses. Evacuees were housed in a school and community center. The flames have spread to an area of more than 12,100 square kilometers, as reported by California authorities.
Pepperdine University is also located in the area. Students and staff were asked to find shelter. Schools were still closed on Tuesday.
Cher (78) left her home and stayed in a hotel with her pet,said the singer and actress’s spokesperson,according to the New York Times. The actor Dick Van Dyke (98), known from “Mary Poppins”, wrote on Facebook that he and his wife brought their animals to safety from these “terrible fires”.
In safety: the actor dick Van Dyke.
KEYSTONE/CHRIS PIZZELLO
Fire spreads quickly
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated. Local station KABC reports that the fire broke out in the Malibu Canyon area, where there is a lot of dry brush. The flames spread quickly due to the strong Santa Ana winds, which occur mainly in the fall and winter.
In November 2018, a serious fire occurred around Malibu, destroying large areas of the country and destroying more than 1,500 houses, including famous villas. The homes of German presenter Thomas Gottschalk,US singer Miley Cyrus and actor gerard Butler,among others,burned to the ground.
Experts warn that fires are becoming more frequent and more destructive due to climate change.Just in November, a violent forest fire – also fueled by Santa Ana winds – destroyed many homes in southern California.
What strategies are being employed by firefighters to manage wildfires in challenging terrains?
Time.news Interview with Forest Fire Expert Dr. Emily Carter
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Carter. Thank you for joining us during such a critical time as teh Franklin Fire in Malibu continues to escalate. Can you provide us with a bit of context regarding the current situation?
dr. Emily Carter (DEC): thank you for having me. The situation in Malibu is quite dire right now. The Franklin Fire started late Monday evening and has been fueled by strong winds and challenging hilly terrain, making firefighting efforts incredibly difficult. Over 1,000 firefighters are currently on the ground trying to manage the spread of the fire, which has not been contained so far.
TNE: With more than 18,000 residents evacuated, including notable figures like Cher and Dick van Dyke, what are some of the common challenges faced during such large-scale evacuations?
DEC: Evacuations during wildfires bring a host of challenges, particularly in densely populated or high-profile areas like Malibu. The logistics of moving thousands of people to safety can be overwhelming. There’s also the emotional toll on residents who may lose their homes or possessions. Not to mention, the unpredictability of fire spread can change evacuation routes suddenly, posing additional risks.
TNE: We’ve heard reports about the Pacific Coast Highway being closed. How do these closures affect the overall emergency response?
DEC: Road closures can severely hinder the movement of emergency services and evacuation routes. This can lead to delays in getting resources to the front lines and in ensuring the safety of residents. Firefighters need access to equipment and supplies, and they also have to navigate around closed roads, which can put them at greater risk. Furthermore, these closures may leave some individuals stranded, complicating evacuation efforts.
TNE: What specific tactics and strategies do firefighters typically employ in such complex terrains?
DEC: In difficult terrains like those surrounding malibu, firefighters ofen employ a technique known as “firebreaks.” This involves creating gaps in vegetation to slow the fire’s spread. They may use controlled burns around the perimeter to eliminate fuel. Helicopters and air tankers also play a critical role in dropping water and fire retardants from above. However, with the strong winds, these efforts can be less effective, which is why firefighters must also constantly reassess their strategies.
TNE: Climate change is frequently cited as a contributor to the increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires. What are your thoughts on this?
DEC: absolutely, climate change has a important role. Warmer temperatures and prolonged drought conditions create ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread. This means that regions like California are facing wildfires more frequently and with increased severity.Understanding this connection is crucial for future fire management and prevention strategies.
TNE: As we look to the future, what steps can communities take to better prepare for such disasters?
DEC: Community preparedness is key. This includes creating and maintaining defensible space around properties,having clear evacuation plans,and educating the public on fire safety practices.Local governments should also invest in infrastructure improvements like emergency alert systems and controlled vegetation management in fire-prone areas. It’s all about building resilience against these certain disasters.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights during this critical situation. Our thoughts are with those affected by the Franklin Fire.
DEC: Thank you for having me.Let’s hope for the safety of all those in Malibu and the dedicated firefighters working tirelessly to contain this fire.
TNE: Indeed. Stay safe, everyone.
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